Adjustable seating and furniture

ABSTRACT

Self-adjusting furniture, seating, and accessories disclosed. When the user applies a force to the seating by shifting his or her center of gravity, the backrest and/or seat/bed portions of the seating/furniture move in response to the force to recline or adjust the seating/furniture or accessories. The user can return the seating to an upright position by again shifting his or her center of gravity. The angle of the backrest and/or seat/bed portions can vary relative to the ground as the user moves. Continuously varying the angle of both the backrest and seat/bed portions of the seating/furniture or accessories relative to the ground may improve a user&#39;s seating comfort, for example, by decreasing or negating the user&#39;s need to shift position on the seat when reclined or continuously responding the user&#39;s shift in position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/247,109,filed Apr. 7, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/942,347, filed Jul. 15, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,690,247,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/881,012,filed Sep. 13, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,534,758, the entire contents ofeach of which are incorporated herein by reference and made a part ofthis specification.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to adjustable seating and furniture, andmore particularly to self-adjusting seating and furniture.

2. Description of the Related Art

Reclinable seating has been known for many years. Early solutions todevising seating with a reclining backrest used manual recline controlswith prefixed reclining positions, for example, employing notches in thehinged connection between the backrest and the seat or by using notchesin the armrests of the seating. Some reclinable seatings, such aschaises, employ a notch mechanism between the frame and the backrest(e.g., a head rest ratchet system). These early solutions, althoughstill widely used, are deficient because of their very limited reclinedpositions and because many do not permit the seat to move in relation tothe backrest. For example, with a head rest ratchet system, a user hasto either get up or reach behind the backrest to adjust the position ofbackrest of the chaise.

The related art has attempted to solve the deficiencies of manualrecline controls with self-adjusting reclinable seating. Self-adjustingreclinable seating does not rely upon prefixed reclining positions. Thisallows the seating to be positioned anywhere along a range of movement.However, a user may find the positioning of the seat and backrest in thereclining positions in the seating solutions offered by the prior art tobe uncomfortable and difficult to get into the seating. Consequently,the user may shift his or her position on the seat to accommodate forthe backrest's angle of recline or not be able to get into the seatingcomfortably. Accordingly, a need remains for seating that improves usercomfort and ease of use as well as decreases or eliminates the user'sneed to shift position on the seat when reclined.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, adjustable furniture and seating, includingreclinable seating, is disclosed that continuously moves theseat/bed/resting and/or backrest portions relative to the ground as theuser in the seating moves. When the user applies a force to the seatingby shifting his or her center of gravity and/or by applying or reducingbody weight to the backrest, the seat/bed and/or backrest portions ofthe seating move in response to the increased or reduced force to adjustand/or recline the seating.

In some embodiments, the adjustable furniture or seating can providenear infinite or continuous levels of adjustment and positions. Forexample, a slight shift in body weight (center of gravity) may slightlymove the backrest and/or seat/bed relative to each other or the frame ofseating as a guide correspondingly moves slightly along a continuoustracks as discussed herein to provide another position of comfort ordesired position. The seating balances the user's weight to support theuser's weight at the comfort and/or desired position. The seatingsubstantially does not change this comfort and/or desired position untilthe user shifts the user's center of gravity and/or applies or reducesbody weight to the backrest.

In some embodiments, the seating (e.g., reclinable seating) isconfigured to compensate for the tendency of the seat/bed portion totilt downwards as the backrest portion reclines. In some embodiments,and in particular for reclinable seating, the seating can include aframe structure to which the backrest portion is pivotably coupled. Thebackrest can recline from an upright position. The backrest can behingeably connected to a seat/bed hingeably at a rear portion of theseat/bed. The seat/bed can move in relation to the backrest. The frontportion of the seat/bed can incline upwards as the backrest reclines(e.g., pivots relative to the frame structure). In some embodiments, theposition of the seat relative to the ground (e.g., resting surface)forms an acute angle, and the angle of the seat relative to the groundis substantially maintained as the seat moves forward and the backrestreclines. Alternatively, the angle of the seat/bed relative to theground can decrease as the backrest reclines. In some embodiments,however, the vertical distance of the front of the seat/bed relative tothe ground increases. The user can return the seating to an uprightposition by again shifting his or her center of gravity. Such aconfiguration reduces or eliminates the need for manual reclinecontrols, including mechanisms to temporarily fix the position of theseating on a track. The adjustable seating may improve a user's seatingcomfort, for example, by decreasing or eliminating the user's need toshift position on the seat/bed when a desired and/or reclined position.The seating can also accommodate a shift in the user's position when theuser desires to rest in a different position.

The rear portion or end of the seat/bed, in some embodiments, is notlifted during the reclining of the seating. Some embodiments enhancecomfort of and convenience of use for the user by configuring theseating such that, in use, the front of the seat/bed portion will rise.The plane or angle of the seat/bed portion may decrease with respect tothe floor or ground as the seating is reclined from the perspective ofthe backrest, or the plane or angle may remain relatively constant.

In some embodiments, the rear of the seat/bed is lifted or rises duringthe reclining of the seating, while the front of the seat/bed portionwill rise less than the rear portion, stay at about the same level, orlower. In some embodiments, the angle relative to the floor may changefrom a positive slope (upwards) to a negative slope (downwards) withrespect to the rear of the seat/bed portion. For example, a chaise bedmay be inclined upwards from the rear relative to the ground in theupright position and may be flat or declined downwards from the rearrelative to the ground in the reclined position. The flat ordecline/negative slope of the bed may accommodate a more flatorientation of the bed relative to the backrest to provide a relativelyflat configuration for a user to lie fully stretched out in the reclinedposition (e.g., prone position).

In some embodiments, a guide assembly and a track are configured to liftthe front portion of the seat/bed as the guide assembly is moved alongthe track while the backrest may recline. For example, the track can beconfigured such that at least a portion of the track slopes downwardfrom the direction of the front portion of the seat/bed to the directionof the rear portion of the seat/bed. Alternatively, the track can beconsidered to slope upwards from the direction of the rear portion tothe front portion of the seat/bed. The guide assembly can be engagedwith the track such that the guide assembly is higher on the slope ofthe track when the backrest is reclined than when the backrest isupright. The guide assembly can be engaged with the track such that theguide assembly is higher on the slope of the track when the bed/seatmoves toward a front portion of the seating. In some embodiments, theguide assembly and track are configured to substantially maintain thefront portion of the seat/bed at a same level (e.g., same verticaldistance) as the backrest reclines. In some embodiments, the guideassembly and track are configured to substantially maintain the frontportion of the seat/bed level (e.g., same vertical distance) as thebed/seat moves toward a front portion of the seating. In someembodiment, an immediate front section of the seat/bed front portion maylower while other sections of the front portion or adjacent the frontportion the seat/bed rise. Such an arrangement and movement can occurwhen the front portion pivots about the guide assembly, and/or theseat/bed cantilevers about the tracks.

In some embodiments of adjustable seating or furniture, the seat/bedportion or footrest of an ottoman is not itself pivotally coupled ordirectly pivotally coupled to the frame structure. Rather, the seat/bedportion or footrest of an ottoman can be connected to guide assembliesthat support and/or pivot the seat/bed as discussed herein. For example,the seat/bed may full supported in a desired position and moved along adesired path by being connected to the guide assemblies at four pointson the seat/bed without a direct connection to a frame of the seating.

An ottoman employing self-adjusting concepts disclosed herein can beused with the reclinable seating. For example, in embodiments where thefront portion of the seat/bed stays level (e.g., same height) or lowers,an ottoman may be desirable to support a user's feet. The ottoman mayhave a rest or support surface (e.g., foot rest surface) that shiftswith the user's weight as legs of the user push on the support surface.When the seating is in an upright position, the user's leg can bepositioned on the ottoman such that the support surface is substantiallylevel (e.g., flat) relative to the ground. The support surface may besupported on tracks and guide assemblies as discussed herein to allowthe support surface to move forward and/or pivot to slope downwardlyfrom the perspective of the seating. When the user reclines the seating,the user's legs can push or move forward the support surface of theottoman. The resting surface may move from a flat/level position to adownwardly sloping position from the perspective of the seating toaccommodate a more flat position of the user in the reclined position ofthe seating.

In some embodiments, the backrest can be fixed relative to frame. Thus,in some embodiments, the seat can be adjustable or moveable while thebackrest is not. For example, the seat may shift its position inresponse to the user's weight, but the backrest remains fixed. Theseembodiments can have application in barstools or other similarly higherseating having backrests. Barstools generally have a greater heightrelative to a resting surface in comparison to other chair, such aslounge chairs. Accordingly, it may be difficult for users to get intothe barstool, particularly for shorter users. More particularly, suchembodiments have application to assist users in sitting down in, and/orgetting up from, seating, which users are handicapped, infirm orotherwise benefit from some assistance in getting into or out of theseating.

Adjustable seating, as disclosed herein, can have a seat that tiltstowards the front of the seating (e.g. the seat tilts downward towardthe ground from the perspective of backrest or back of the seating) toassist a user getting into the seat. As the user gets into the seat, andshifts his/her weight back toward the backrest, the seat can move inresponse the weight shift toward the backrest. Thus, to furtheraccommodate the user's comfort, the seat can change inclination relativeto its normal resting position as the user gets into the seating. Forexample, the seat may be inclined downwards (e.g., sloping downwardly)toward the resting surface relative to or from the perspective of thebackrest when the seating is unoccupied. The downward inclination canhelp a user position his/her body against the seat while still standingon the ground (e.g., resting surface). As the user presses his/herweight into the seat and backwards toward the backrest while gettinginto the seating, the seat can shift or move toward the backrest andchange inclination to be inclined upwards (e.g., sloping upwardly) fromrelative to from the perspective of the backrest. Such a configurationcan help retain the seat in a desired position once the seating isoccupied and further help secure the user's position in the seating.Such seating can be used for orthopedic applications, where a user mayhave limited mobility to comfortably get into seating. Some embodimentscan have the seat located higher than conventional seating so that theuser can more easily get into the seating without having to bend theirknees to the extent that is normally required. The seat can presentitself with its front portion inclined downwardly, so that the user cansit more easily and then tilt back to the normal seating position.Exiting the seating is similarly facilitated in reverse. In someembodiments, sitting is so facilitated that the user does not have touse their hands to sit and armrests can be dispensed with.

In some embodiments, the seating includes a frame. The frame can includea front member disposed near the front portion of the seat and/or a rearmember disposed near the rear of the seat/bed. In some embodiments, theframe can include a middle member disposed between the front and rearmembers. A track as discussed herein can extend between the front memberand the rear member of the frame. In some embodiments, the track adjoinsthe front member and the rear member of the frame. The track can beconnected to either the front member or the back member. In someembodiments, the track can be connected other members (e.g., crossmembers) of the frame and extend therebetween.

When present, the front member can be upwardly extending or it can belaterally extending. Like the front member, the rear member can beupwardly or laterally extending. The middle member can be upwardlyextending. In some embodiments, a second rear member extendsperpendicularly from the rear member and provides support for thebackrest. The second rear member can be pivotally connected to thebackrest. In some embodiments, the second rear member can include apivot, and the backrest is attached to the pivot. The second rear membercould also include a generally horizontally-extending bar, and thebackrest contacts the bar or nearly contacts the bar when in the fullyreclined position.

In seating that includes side or lateral frame structures generally oneither side of the seat/bed portion to provide support against theground or support a frame of the seating relative to the ground in adesired position or elevation, those structures can be formed from atleast front and rear upright members, typically joined at their upperportions by a member at least some of which forms an arm rest. In someembodiments, other upright members can be formed, such a middle uprightmember to provide further support against the ground or support theframe relative to the ground in a desired position or elevation. Suchseating can also include at least one cross member joining either, some,or all of the front, middle, and rear upright members. In someembodiments, the track upon which the seat/bed portion rides is not onor part of the upright members or armrest, but is an additional member.

The track can extend generally from the front to the rear portions ofthe seating between either the front and rear upright members and/or thefront and rear cross members. In some embodiments, the track can extendbetween cross members and/or other features of the frame. The track canextend generally alongside the seat/bed portion and/or underneath it orin planes lower than that of the seat/bed portion. The track can extendsubstantially parallel to the sides of the seat/bed. The track can be afixed track that does not move with the seat/bed as discussed herein.The track can be a straight, a curved track, or a combination of both.In some embodiments, there can be two tracks associated with eachseating portion. In some embodiments, four or more tracks can beassociated with each seating portion. In some embodiments, the seatingcan include a single guide assembly per track or two or more guideassemblies per track.

In some embodiments, a straight track can provide the continuous levelsof adjustment with the slope of the straight track determining, forexample, the angle of the seat portion at a desired position asdiscussed herein. In some embodiments, an arced track as discussedherein can provide varying vertical support (e.g., weight support of auser) to a guide traveling on the arced track to facilitate adjustmentof the seating with a center of gravity shift or weight shift of theuser. For example, the vertical support decreases from the uprightposition to the reclined position of the seating as the guide moves froma substantially horizontal portion to a substantially vertical portionof the arced track to provide smooth and continuous adjustment of thepositions of the seating as discussed herein.

In some embodiments, the track can be inclined or declined relative therear portion/end of the seat/bed. The track can be straight or acombination of various shapes such as straight, curved, arcuate,circular, oval, and/or elliptical. A guide assembly is fixedly attachedto the seat/bed and slideably engaged with the track, such that theguide assembly supports the seat/bed on the track. The guide assemblycan extend laterally from a side of the seat/bed and/or extenddownwardly from the bottom of the seat/bed. The guide assembly can beconnected directly the seat/bed or be spaced by other members from theseat/bed. The connection to the seat/bed can be provided by vertical orhorizontal extensions. The extensions can elevate or space the seat/bedfrom guide assembly and/or frame to provide more sliding clearancebetween the seat/bed and other components of the seating. The greaterclearance provides room to accommodate, for example, upholstery,cushions, and other features attached to the backrest, seat/bed, and/orframe of the seating. The guide assembly is configured to slide alongthe track upon application of a force to the backrest and/or seat/bed.Such seating can be incorporated into furniture, such as a chair, couch,barstool, or chaise lounge.

In some embodiments, the guide assembly can include a frictionalcontrol, such as a friction member or a knob, for adjusting the amountof friction between the guide assembly and the lower portion of thetrack. Such frictional control can be used as a tightening mechanism toprevent the guide assembly from sliding on the track, therebymaintaining the seat and backrest in a fixed position.

In some embodiments, the seat or seat portion can have a certain widthand the track does not extend beyond the width of the seat or seatportion. Track having fittings, controls, or the like can also have suchfittings, controls, or the like not extending beyond such width. Withsuch features, the seating disclosed herein can have all track, trackfittings and components, and any controls and adjustment mechanisms notextending beyond such width, such that they are entirely under orcovered by the seat or seat portion from the perspective of a user inthe seating.

The track can optionally include at least one stop configured to limitthe range of motion of the guide relative to the track. In certainembodiments, the track includes an upper portion and a lower portionseparated by one or more generally upward-extending member, such as abend in the track. The guide assembly can be engaged with the lowerportion of the track, which slopes downward from the direction of thefront portion of the seat to the direction of the first portion of theseat. The extent of slide of the guide assembly can be limited by theupward-extending member(s) on the track.

In some embodiments, the seating can have more than one type of track.The tracks can, for example, be located near the front and rearportions/ends of the bed (and/or front and rear portions of the frame).One of the tracks can be curved. The track can also include straightportions to facilitate various configurations and movements of theseating, including stopping the guide from moving beyond a desiredpoint. For example, when using a chaise, a user may desire to bring thebackrest and the bed substantially flat (180°) relative to each other(by, for example, shifting his or her center of gravity toward a proneposition). As the user approaches the fully reclined position or proneposition, the backrest and bed separate from each other to a furtherdegree. The more flat or separated the backrest and bed become, the moredistributed the weight of the user is on the backrest and bed. An arc orcurved portion of the track can facilitate vertical movement of the bedas the bed comes up to meet the pivotal movement of the backrest aboutthe pivot member connected to the frame. In the flat or fully reclinedposition, the guide is located on an upper part of the curved/arcuateportion and is substantially suspended relative to a travel path that issubstantially parallel to a weight vector of the user (substantiallyparallel to the pull of gravity). Stated differently, thecurved/arcuate/arced track can be configured to not provide significantvertical support or resistance to the guide in the reclined position;thus, providing relatively less (or negligible) support for the weightof the user at that particular point on the bed. The friction betweenthe guide and the track can be adjusted such that when the user focusesthe user's weight toward the rear of the bed (shifts center of gravityto get up or move into the upright position), the increased weight atthe rear of the bed causes the suspended guide to drop with ease tobring the bed down and the seating into the upright position.

Accordingly, when the user desires to get up from the prone position inthe seating (e.g., from the fully reclined position), the guide islocated on a substantially vertical portion of the track that does notprovide or minimally provides vertical support to work or push againstthe user concentrating his or weight onto the guide to move the seatinginto the upright position. The arrangement of the guide being on asubstantially vertical portion of a curved/arcuate/arced track in thefully reclined position facilitates pushing the seating into the uprightposition by allowing a shift in the user's center of gravity toward theguides on the track to move the guides downward along with the force ofgravity (e.g., the substantially vertical track portion providingminimal or no resistance to movement of the guide in a substantiallyvertical direction).

As the seating moves toward the upright position, the weight of the userbecomes more concentrated toward the rear of the bed as the user'scenter of gravity shifts toward the rear of the bed toward the guide(e.g., the user is getting/sitting up). With the concentration of theweight increasing toward rear as the guide moves downwardly along thecurved track, the curved track can be shaped to become more level (e.g.,horizontal) along the travel path or direction of the track toaccommodate and support the increased weight on the guide. In someembodiments, the curved track becomes substantially level (e.g.,horizontal) at a point where the guide rests on the track in the uprightposition of the seating. In the upright position, the curved track atthat point on the track may provide similar functionality as that of astraight track. Stated differently, as the user's center of gravity isshifted toward the rear of the seat/bed onto the guide, the guide movesalong a track that becomes progressively more horizontal. Accordingly,vertical movement of guide is inhibited or restricted as the trackbecomes more horizontal to provide more weight support in the verticaldirection. For example, when track is substantially horizontal or level,vertical movement of the guide is substantially inhibited to support theweight of the user in, for example, the upright position of the seating.

In some embodiments, a curved/arcuate/arced track near the rear portionof the bed can be complemented with a straight track near the frontportion of the bed. A straight track can be declined downwardly relativeto a path from the front portion to the rear portion of the bed. Thedeclined straight track can facilitate returning from the prone positionto the upright position. For example, when the user moves from thereclined position to the upright position by concentrating the user'sweight more toward the rear portion of the bed (shifting center ofgravity), the declined slope of the straight track along the travel pathof the guide can facilitate the movement of the guide downward along thedownward track, working with gravity and the efforts of the user to movehimself/herself and the bed more upright.

In some embodiments, similar functionality as discussed above may beachieved with the most of the tracks being substantially straight. Forexample, a straight track located near the rear portion of the bed canbe relatively more inclined upwards (from the rear to the front) tofacilitate the upward vertical movement of the rear portion of the bedas the user reclines. Concomitantly, the relatively more verticalstraight track can provide at least some suspension of the guide tofacilitate the downward movement of the guide as the user moves into theupright position.

Any combination of curved and straight tracks placed at various anglesrelative to the ground can be used to achieve the varying functionalityof a seating that adjusts based on the movement of the user, and inparticular the weight distribution and location of the center of gravityof the user. For example, a horizontal track would facilitate the userto get into the prone position more easily, but may make it harder toget vertical (upright) again. Conversely, a more vertical track wouldmake it easier to release from the prone (reclined) position, but maymake it hard for the user to get into that prone position. Variouscombinations of tracks, locations of track, and shapes of tracks asdiscussed herein can be utilized to achieve the desired functionality ofthe seating that self-adjusts based on the user's center gravity asdiscussed herein.

In some embodiments, adjustable seating, and in particular reclinableseating, includes a backrest configured to recline from an uprightposition; a seat including a front portion and a rear portion andhingeably connected to the backrest at the rear portion of the seat, theseat being configured to move in relation to the backrest; a frameincluding: an upwardly-extending front member disposed near the frontportion of the seat, an upwardly-extending rear member disposed near therear portion of the seat, a pivot member extending generallyhorizontally from the rear member and connected to the backrest so thatthe backrest can pivot about the pivot member, and a track extendingbetween the front member and the rear member. The track has an upperportion, a lower portion, and two generally upward-extending bendsconnecting the upper portion to the lower portion, at least the lowerportion of the track sloping downward from the direction of the frontmember to the direction of the rear member; and a guide configured tosupport the seat on the track. The guide is fixedly attached to the seatand slideably engaged with the downward-sloping lower portion of thetrack, such that the guide is configured to slide along the track uponapplication of a force to the backrest and/or seat, and the guide beingconfigured to be higher on the slope of the track when the backrest isreclined than when the backrest is upright, the extent of slide beinglimited by the two generally upward-extending bends on the track.

In some embodiments, there is provided adjustable seating, and inparticular reclinable seating, including: a backrest configured torecline from an upright position; a seat including a front portion and arear portion and hingeably connected to the backrest at the rear portionof the seat, the seat being configured to move in relation to thebackrest and a frame. The frame includes a front member being disposednear the front portion of the seat, a rear member being generallyupright and disposed near the rear portion of the seat, a pivot memberextending generally horizontally from the rear member and contacting thebackrest so that the backrest can pivot about the pivot member. Theseating further includes track extending from the front member towardthe rear member, at least a portion of the track sloping downward fromthe direction of the front member to the direction of the rear member;and a guide configured to support the seat on the track, the guide beingfixedly attached to the seat and slideably engaged with thedownward-sloping portion of the track, such that the guide is configuredto slide along the track upon application of a force to the backrestand/or seat, and the guide being configured to be higher on the slope ofthe track when the backrest is reclined than when the backrest isupright.

In some embodiments, there is provided adjustable seating, in particularreclinable seating, including: a backrest configured to recline from anupright position; and a seat including a front portion and a rearportion and hingeably connected to the backrest at the rear portion ofthe seat; and a guide fixedly engaged with the seat and slidinglyengaged with a track disposed proximate the seat, the guide and trackbeing configured to incline the front portion of the seat as thebackrest reclines.

Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a reclinable seatinghaving an upright position (e.g. a first position) and a reclinedposition (e.g., a second position). The reclinable seating can includethe following: a frame including a front portion, a rear portion, andmembers to support the reclinable seating relative to a surface on whichthe seating rests; a backrest connected to the frame via a pivot member,the backrest configured to pivot about the pivot member relative to theframe; a seat connected to the backrest via a pivot connection, the seatconfigured to pivot at the pivot connection relative to the backrest; atrack connected to the frame, the track including a support rail, ahanger rail connected to the support rail, and a guiding rail connectedto the hanger rail, the support rail extending from the frame generallyupwardly relative to the surface and generally toward the front portionof the frame, the hanger rail extending from the support rail generallydownwardly relative to the surface and generally toward the frontportion of the frame, and the guide rail extending from the hanger railgenerally upwardly and generally toward the front portion of the frame;and a guide connected to the seat and slideably engaging the track, theguide configured to move along the guiding rail up to the hanger rail,the guide configured to support the seat on the track. The reclinableseating is continuously moveable between an upright position and areclined position, the backrest pivoting about the pivot member frombeing more vertical to less vertical relative to the surface from theupright position to the reclined position, the seat moving with theguide along the track toward the front portion of the frame from theupright position to the reclined position.

In some embodiments, the reclinable seating can include one or more ofthe following: the track further includes a stay connected to theguiding rail, the stay extending from the guiding rail generallydownwardly and generally toward the front portion of the frame; the stayforms a discontinuous path with the guiding rail, the discontinuous pathconfigured to inhibit movement of the guide from the guiding rail to thestay; the stay includes a generally L-shaped support; the stay isconnected to the guiding rail away from a corner of the generallyL-shaped support to form the discontinuous path; the frame furtherincludes a cross member, the cross member providing a connection betweenthe support rail and the frame, the cross member extending between sidesof the frame and proximate to the surface relative to the track; thecross member curves downwardly toward the surface to form a generallyU-shaped member, the generally U-shaped member elevating the seating toa desired height above the surface; the seating further including anextension providing the connection between the guide and the seat, theextension having a vertical length to elevate the seat above the guideand provide sliding clearance between the seat and the frame; theseating further including a bracket providing a connection between theguide and the extension; the guide is pivotally connected to the bracketto allow the guide to pivot relative to the bracket as the guide movesalong the guiding rail; the bracket engages the guide with a bolt andnut assembly; tension formed by tightening the bolt and nut assembly canbe adjusted to change friction between the guide and the track to adjustease with which the seating moves between the upright and reclinedpositions; friction caused by the guide engaging the track can beadjusted based on a weight of a user to adjust ease with which shiftingthe weight of the user moves the seating between the upright andreclined positions; the seating further including an other trackconnected to the frame, the other track including an other support rail,an other hanger rail connected to the other support rail, and an otherguiding rail connected to the other hanger rail, the other support railextending from the frame generally upwardly relative to the surface andgenerally toward the front portion of the frame, the other hanger railextending from the other support rail generally downwardly relative tothe surface and generally toward the front portion of the frame, and theother guide rail extending from the other hanger rail generally upwardlyand generally toward the front portion of the frame; the seating furtherincluding an other guide connected to the seat and slideably engagingthe other track, the other guide configured to move along the otherguiding rail up to the other hanger rail, the other guide configured tosupport the seat on the track; the track further includes a stayconnected to the guiding rail, the stay extending from the guiding railgenerally downwardly and generally toward the front portion of theframe; the other track further includes an other stay connected to theother guiding rail, the other stay extending from the other guiding railgenerally downwardly and generally toward the front portion of theframe; the stay forms a discontinuous path with the guiding rail, thediscontinuous path configured to inhibit movement of the guide from theguiding rail to the stay; the other stay forms an other discontinuouspath with the other guiding rail, the other discontinuous pathconfigured to inhibit movement of the other guide from the other guidingrail to the other stay; the stay and the other stay are connected by acrossbar to form a generally U-shaped support, the guiding rail and theother guiding rail connected to the generally U-shaped support away fromcorners of the generally U-shaped support to form the discontinuous pathand the other discontinuous path, respectively; the guiding rail and theother guiding rail are connected to the crossbar of the generallyU-shaped support to form the discontinuous and the other discontinuouspath, respectively; the seat remains at substantially a same anglerelative to the surface in the upright and reclined positions; the seatis angled upwards from the pivot connection relative to the surface inthe upright position; the upward angle from the pivot connectionrelative to the surface decreases while the seating is moved into thereclined position as the seat pivots about the pivot connection relativeto the backrest; the seat is substantially level with the surface in thereclined position; the guide includes a first sliding shoe and a secondsliding shoe, the first and second sliding shoes, when assembled,forming an opening to slideably engage the track; and/or a chairincluding the seating.

Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a reclinable seatinghaving an upright position (e.g. a first position) and a reclinedposition (e.g., a second position). The reclinable seating can includethe following: a frame including a front portion and a rear portion, theframe configured to support the reclinable seating relative to a surfaceon which the seating rests; a backrest connected to the frame, thebackrest configured to pivot about relative to the frame; a seatconnected to the backrest, the seat configured to pivot relative to thebackrest; a rail bracket including two arms and a crossbar, the two armsconnected to the frame, the two arms extending from the frame generallyupwardly relative to the surface and generally toward the rear portionof the frame, and the crossbar extending generally horizontally betweenthe two arms to connect the two arms away from the frame; a guiderailconnected to the rail bracket, the guiderail including a guiding railextending from the rail bracket generally downwardly relative to thesurface; and a guide connected to the seat and engaging the guiderail,the guide configured to move along the guiding rail up to the railbracket, the guide configured to support the seat on the track. Thereclinable seating is continuously moveable between an upright positionand a reclined position, the backrest pivoting about the frame frombeing more vertical to less vertical relative to the surface from theupright position to the reclined position, the seat moving with theguide along the guiderail toward the front portion of the frame from theupright position to the reclined position.

In some embodiments, the reclinable seating can include one or more ofthe following: the guiding rail is connected to the crossbar, away fromthe two arms; the guiderail further includes a hanger rail connected tothe guiding rail, the hanger rail extending from the guiding railgenerally upwardly and generally toward the rear portion of the frame,the guide configured to stop at the hanger rail when moving along theguiding rail toward the rear portion of the rail as the seating is movedinto the upright position; the guiderail further includes a support railconnected to the hanger rail, the support rail extending from the hangerrail generally downwardly and generally toward the rear portion of theframe; the frame further includes a cross member, the cross memberproviding a connection between the support rail and the frame, the crossmember extending between sides of the frame and proximate to the surfacerelative to the guiderail; the cross member extends downwardly towardthe surface to form a generally U-shaped member, the generally U-shapedmember elevating the seating to a desired height above the surface; theseating further including an extension providing the connection betweenthe guide and the seat, the extension having a vertical length toelevate the seat above the guide and provide sliding clearance betweenthe seat and the frame; the seating further including a guide bracketproviding a connection between the guide and the extension; the guide ispivotally connected to the guide bracket to allow the guide to pivotrelative to the guide bracket as the guide moves along the guiding rail;the guide bracket engages the guide with a bolt and nut assembly;tension formed by tightening the bolt and nut assembly can be adjustedto change friction between the guide and the guiderail to adjust easewith which the seating moves between the upright and reclined positions;friction caused by the guide engaging the guiderail can be adjustedbased on a weight of a user to adjust ease with which shifting theweight of the user moves the seating between the upright and reclinedpositions; the seating further including an other guiderail connected tothe bracket, the other guiderail including an other guiding railextending generally downwardly relative to the surface; an other guideconnected to the seat and engaging the other guiderail, the other guideconfigured to move along the other guiding rail up to the bracket, theother guide configured to support the seat against the track; the otherguiding rail is connected to the crossbar, away from the two arms; theother guiderail further includes an other hanger rail connected to theother guiding rail, the other hanger rail extending from the otherguiding rail generally upwardly and generally toward the rear portion ofthe frame, the other guide configured to stop at the other hanger railwhen moving along the other guiding rail toward the rear portion of theframe as the seating is moved into the upright position; the otherguiderail further includes an other support rail connected to the otherhanger rail, the other support rail extending from the other hanger railgenerally downwardly and generally toward the rear portion of the frame;the frame further includes a cross member, the cross member providing aconnection between the support rail and the frame, and the other supportrail and the frame; the cross member extends between sides of the frameand proximate to the surface relative to the guiderail; the seat remainsat substantially a same angle relative to the surface in the upright andreclined positions; the seat is angled upwards from the rear portion ofthe frame relative to the surface in the upright position; the upwardangle from rear portion of the frame relative to the surface decreasesas the seating is moved into the reclined position as the seat pivotsrelative to the backrest; and/or the seat is substantially level withthe surface in the reclined position.

Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a reclinable seatinghaving an upright position (e.g. a first position) and a reclinedposition (e.g., a second position). The reclinable seating can includethe following: a frame including a front portion and a rear portion; abackrest connected to the frame via a pivot member, the backrestconfigured to pivot about the pivot member relative to the frame; a seatconnected to the backrest via a pivot connection, the seat configured topivot at the pivot connection relative to the backrest; a trackconnected to the frame, the track including a support rail, a hangerrail connected to the support rail, and a guiding rail connected to thehanger rail, the support rail extending from the frame in a firstdirection generally toward the front portion of the frame, the hangerrail extending from the support rail in a second direction toward thefront portion of the frame, and the guide rail extending from the hangerin the first direction toward the front portion of the frame; and aguide connected to the seat and slideably engaging the track, the guideconfigured to move along the guiding rail up to the hanger rail, theguide configured to support the seat on the track. The reclinableseating is continuously moveable between an upright position and areclined position, the backrest pivoting about the pivot member betweenthe upright position and the reclined position, the seat moving with theguide along the track toward the front portion of the frame from theupright position to the reclined position.

Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a reclinable seatinghaving an upright position (e.g. a first position) and a reclinedposition (e.g., a second position). The reclinable seating can includethe following: a frame including a front portion, a rear portion, andmembers to support the reclinable seating relative to a surface on whichthe seating rests; a backrest connected to the frame via a pivot member,the backrest configured to pivot about the pivot member relative to theframe; a seat connected to the backrest via a pivot connection, the seatconfigured to pivot at the pivot connection relative to the backrest; atrack connected to the frame, the track including an arcuate portionupwardly rising along a guide path moving generally in a direction fromthe rear portion to the front portion of the frame, the guide path beingsubstantially vertical at an upper portion of the arcuate portion of thetrack proximal to the front portion of the frame; and a guide connectedto the seat and slideably engaging the track, the guide configured tomove along the arcuate portion and to remain engaged with track alongthe guide path, the guide configured to support the seat against thetrack. The reclinable seating is continuously moveable between anupright position and a reclined position, the backrest pivoting aboutthe pivot member from being more vertical to less vertical relative tothe surface from the upright position to the reclined position. Theguide moves along the arcuate portion of the track as the seat travelsforward toward the front portion of the frame while the seating is movedinto the reclined position, the guide substantially suspended at theupper portion of the arcuate portion in the reclined position andsupporting relatively less weight than when the guide is on otherportions of the track.

In some embodiments, the reclinable seating can include one or more ofthe following: the track further includes a hanger connected to thearcuate portion of the track and connected to the frame proximal to thefront portion of the frame relative to the arcuate portion, the hangerconfigured to inhibit movement of the guide beyond the arcuate portionof the track when the seating is being reclined; the hanger issubstantially horizontal to form a discontinuous path where the hangerconnects to the arcuate portion at the substantially vertical upperportion of the track, the discontinuous path inhibiting movement of theguide from the arcuate portion of the track to the hanger; the trackfurther includes a horizontal portion proximal to the rear portion ofthe frame relative to the arcuate portion of the track, the horizontalportion configured to vertically support the guide in order to support aweight of a user when the seating is in the upright position; the framefurther includes a cross member, the cross member at least in partproviding the connection between the track and the frame, the crossmember positioned proximal to the rear portion of the frame relative tothe track, the cross member configured to inhibit movement of the guideoff the track as the guide moves toward the rear portion of the framealong the track when the seating is being moved into the uprightposition; the seating further including a support member providing theconnection between the guide and the seat, the support member having avertical length to elevate the seat above the guide and provide slidingclearance between the seat and the frame; the seating further includinga bracket providing a connection between the guide and the supportmember; the guide is pivotally connected to the bracket to allow theguide to pivot relative to the bracket as the guide moves along thearcuate portion of the track; the bracket engages the guide with a boltand nut assembly; tension formed by tightening the bolt and nut assemblycan be adjusted to change friction between the guide and the track toadjust ease with which the seating moves between the upright andreclined positions; friction caused by the guide engaging the track canbe adjusted based on a weight of a user to adjust ease with whichshifting the weight of the user moves the seating between the uprightand reclined positions; the seating further including an other trackconnected to the frame, the other track including a straight portionupwardly rising along an other guide path moving generally in thedirection from the rear portion to the front portion of the frame, theother track more proximate to the front portion of the frame than thetrack; an other guide connected to the seat and slideably engaged withthe other track, the other guide configured to move along the straightportion of the other track and to remain engaged with other track alongthe other guide path; as the seating is moved from the upright positionto the reclined position and the other guide moves forward along theother track, the seat moves toward the front portion of the frame andrises vertically relative to the frame; and/or the chaise has a lengthsufficient to support a body of a user entirely off the surface when theuser is in a prone position.

Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a reclinable seatinghaving an upright position (e.g. a first position) and a reclinedposition (e.g., a second position). The reclinable seating can includethe following: a frame including a rear portion and a front portion, theframe configured to support the reclinable seating relative to a surfaceon which the seating rests; a backrest connected to the frame, thebackrest configured to pivot relative to the frame; a first guiderailconnected to the frame, the first guiderail including a curved portionascending along a first path moving generally in a direction from therear portion to the front portion of the frame; the curved portion isconcave from a perspective of the pivot member to provide an increasingvertical rise of the first guiderail over a predetermined length alongthe first path when the reclinable seating is being reclined; a bedconnected to the backrest, the bed configured to pivot relative to thebackrest; and a first guide assembly connected to the bed and engagingthe first guiderail, the first guide assembly configured to move alongthe curved portion and to remain engaged with the first guiderail alongthe first path. The reclinable seating is continuously movable betweenan upright position and a reclined position, the backrest pivoting frombeing more vertical to less vertical relative to the surface from theupright position to the reclined position.

In some embodiments, the reclinable seating can include one or more ofthe following: the first guide assembly vertically rises along thecurved portion of the first guiderail as the bed travels forward towardthe front portion of the frame while the seating is moved into thereclined position, the first guide assembly substantially suspended onthe curved portion in the reclined position and supporting relativelyless weight than when the first guide assembly is on other portions ofthe first guiderail; the seating further including a second guiderailconnected to the frame, the second guiderail including a straightportion rising along a second path moving generally in the directionfrom the rear portion to the front portion of the frame, the secondguiderail proximate to the front portion of the frame relative to thefirst guiderail; the seating further including a second guide assemblyconnected to the bed and engaged with the second guiderail, the secondguide assembly configured to move along the straight portion of thesecond guiderail and to remain engaged with the second guiderail alongthe second path; as the seating is moved from the upright position tothe reclined position, the bed pivots about the second guide assembly asthe first guide assembly vertically rises along the curved portion thefirst guiderail for the bed; the seating further including a bracketproviding the connection between the second guide assembly and the bed;the second guide assembly is pivotally connected to the bracket; thefirst guiderail further includes a hanger connected to the curvedportion of the first guiderail and connected to the frame proximal tothe front portion of the frame relative to the curved portion, thehanger configured to limit movement of the first guide assembly beyond avertical level of the hanger when the seating is being reclined; thehanger is substantially horizontal to form a discontinuous path wherethe hanger connects to the curved portion; the first guide assemblyincludes shoes substantially enclosing the first guiderail such that theshoes are inhibited from traveling over the discontinuous path from thecurved portion of the first guiderail to the hanger; the first guiderailfurther includes a horizontal portion proximal to the rear portion ofthe frame, the horizontal portion configured to vertically support thefirst guide assembly in order to support a weight of a user when theseating is in the upright position; the frame further includes a crossmember, the cross member providing the connection between the firstguiderail and the frame, the cross member positioned proximal to therear portion of the frame relative to the first guiderail, the crossmember configured to inhibit movement of the first guide assembly offthe first guiderail as the first guide assembly moves toward the rearportion of the frame along the first guiderail when the seating is beingmoved into the upright position; the seating further including anextension providing at least in part a connection between the firstguide assembly and the bed, the extension having a vertical lengthsufficient to elevate the bed above the first guide assembly; theseating further including a back rail, the back rail connected to theframe proximal the rear portion of the frame and positioned to abut thebackrest and inhibit further pivoting of the backrest when the backrestpivots beyond a desired angle as the seating is moved into the reclinedposition; the bed includes an elevation rail providing at least in parta connection between the bed and the first guide assembly, the elevationrail being generally U-shaped to vertically elevate the bed above fromthe first guide assembly and provide sliding clearance between the bedand the frame as the seating is moved between the upright and reclinedpositions; a chaise including the seating; and/or the chaise has alength sufficient to support a body of a user entirely off the surfacewhen the user is in a prone position.

Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a reclinable chaisehaving an upright position (e.g. a first position) and a reclinedposition (e.g., a second position). The reclinable chaise can includethe following: a frame including a front portion and a rear portion, theframe configured to support the reclinable chaise relative to a surfaceon which the chaise rests; a backrest connected to the frame via a pivotmember, the backrest configured to pivot about the pivot member relativeto the frame; a guiderail connected to the frame, the guiderailincluding an arcuate portion rising along a path moving generally in adirection from the rear portion to the front portion of the frame; a bedconnected to the backrest via a pivot connection proximal to the rearportion of the frame relative to the guiderail, the bed configured topivot at the pivot connection relative to the backrest; and a guideassembly connected to the bed and engaging the guiderail, the guideassembly configured to move along the arcuate portion and to remainengaged with the guiderail along the path. The reclinable chaise iscontinuously adjustable between an upright position and a reclinedposition, the backrest pivoting about the pivot member from being morevertical to less vertical relative to the surface from the uprightposition to the reclined position. The guide assembly vertically risesalong the arcuate portion of the guiderail along the path as the bedtravels forward toward the front portion of the frame while moving intothe reclined position. The bed is angled upwards from the pivotconnection relative to the surface in the upright position; the upwardangle from the pivot connection relative to the surface decreases as thechaise is moved into the reclined position due to the guide assemblyrising on the arcuate portion of the guiderail.

In some embodiments, the reclinable chaise can include one or more ofthe following: the bed is angled downwards from the pivot connectionrelative to the surface in the reclined position due to the guideassembly rising on the arcuate portion of the guiderail; the chaisefurther including a second guiderail connected to the frame, the secondguiderail including a straight portion rising along a second path movinggenerally in the direction from the rear portion to the front portion ofthe frame, the second guiderail proximate to the front portion of theframe relative to the guiderail; the chaise further including a secondguide assembly connected to the bed and engaged with the secondguiderail, the second guide assembly configured to move along thestraight portion of the second guiderail and to remain engaged with thesecond guiderail along the second path; as the chaise is moved from theupright position to the reclined position, the bed pivots about thesecond guide assembly as the guide assembly vertically rises along thearcuate portion the guiderail for the bed to become angled downwardsfrom the pivot connection relative to the surface when the chaise is inthe reclined position; the chaise further including a bracket providingthe connection between the second guide assembly and the bed; the secondguide assembly is pivotally connected to the bracket to allow the bed tobe angled downwards from the pivot connection relative to the surface;the guiderail further includes a hanger connected to the arcuate portionof the guiderail and connected to the frame proximal to the frontportion of the frame relative to the arcuate portion, the hangerconfigured to limit a degree the bed is angled downwards from the pivotconnection relative to the surface in the reclined position bypreventing movement of the guide assembly beyond a vertical level of thehanger when the chaise is being reclined; and/or the chaise furtherincluding an extension providing at least in part a connection betweenthe guide assembly and the bed, the extension having a vertical lengthsufficient to elevate the bed above the guide assembly and angle the beddownwards from the pivot connection relative to the surface in thereclined position.

Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a reclinable seatinghaving an upright position (e.g. a first position) and a reclinedposition (e.g., a second position). The reclinable seating can includethe following: a frame including a front portion and a rear portion, theframe configured to support the reclinable seating relative to a surfaceon which the seating rests; a backrest connected to the frame, thebackrest configured to pivot relative to the frame; a seating sectionconnected to the backrest, the seating section configured to pivotrelative to the backrest; a track connected to the frame, the trackpositioned within an outer perimeter of the seating section andunderneath the seating section, proximate to the ground relative to theseating section, when the seating rests on the surface; and a guideconnected to the seating section and slideably engaging the track, theguide configured to move along the along the track and support theseating section against the track. The reclinable seating iscontinuously moveable between an upright position and a reclinedposition, the backrest pivoting from being more vertical to lessvertical relative to the surface from the upright position to thereclined position. The track directs the guide upwardly away from thesurface and simultaneously forward toward the front portion of the framewhile the seating is moved into the reclined position.

In some embodiments, the reclinable seating can include one or more ofthe following: the track includes an uprising portion that has an upwardslope relative to the surface from the rear portion to the front portionof the frame; the track includes an arcuate portion that the guidevertically rises and moves forward on as the seating section travelsforward toward the front portion of the frame while the seating is movedinto the reclined position; the arcuate portion is substantiallyvertical proximate to the front portion of the frame such that the guideis substantially suspended on the arcuate portion in the reclinedposition and supports relatively less weight than when the guide is onother portions of the arcuate portion; the track further includes ahanger connected to the arcuate portion of the track and connected tothe frame proximal to the front portion of the frame relative to thearcuate portion, the hanger configured to inhibit movement of the guidebeyond the arcuate portion of the track when the seating is beingreclined; the hanger is substantially horizontal to form a discontinuouspath where the hanger connects to the arcuate portion, the discontinuouspath inhibiting movement of the guide from the arcuate portion of thetrack to the hanger; the track includes a horizontal portion proximateto the rear portion of the frame, the horizontal portion configured tovertically support the guide in order to support a weight of a user whenthe seating is in the upright position; the frame further includes across member, the cross member at least in part providing the connectionbetween the track and the frame, the cross member positioned proximateto the rear portion of the frame relative to the track, the cross memberconfigured to inhibit movement of the guide off the track as the guidemoves toward the rear portion of the frame along the track when theseating is being moved into the upright position; the cross member ispositioned the within an outer perimeter of the seating section andunderneath the seating section when the seating rests on the surface;the seating further including an extension providing the connectionbetween the guide and the seating section, the extension having avertical length to elevate the seating section above the guide andprovide sliding clearance between the seating section and the frame; theseating further including a bracket providing a connection between theguide and the extension; the guide is pivotally connected to the bracketto allow the guide to pivot relative to the bracket as the guide movesalong the track; the bracket engages the guide with a bolt and nutassembly; tension formed by tightening the bolt and nut assembly can beadjusted to change friction between the guide and the track to adjustease with which the seating moves between the upright and reclinedpositions; friction caused by the guide engaging the track can beadjusted based on a weight of a user to adjust ease with which shiftingthe weight of the user moves the seating between the upright andreclined positions; the seating further including an other trackconnected to the frame, the other track including a straight portionupwardly rising along an other guide path moving generally in thedirection from the rear portion to the front portion of the frame, theother track more proximate to the front portion of the frame than thetrack; the seating further including an other guide connected to theseating section and slideably engaged with the other track, the otherguide configured to move along the straight portion of the other trackand to remain engaged with other track along the other guide path; asthe seating is moved from the upright position to the reclined positionand the other guide moves forward along the other track, the seatingsection moves toward the front portion of the frame and rises verticallyrelative to the frame; the other track is positioned within the outerperimeter of the seating section and underneath the seating section,proximate to the ground relative to the seating section, when thereclinable seating rests on the surface; and/or the chaise has a lengthsufficient to support a body of a user entirely off the surface when theuser is in a prone position.

Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a reclinable seatinghaving an upright position (e.g. a first position) and a reclinedposition (e.g., a second position). The reclinable seating can includethe following: a frame including a front portion and a rear portion, theframe configured to support the reclinable seating relative to a surfaceon which the seating rests; a backrest connected to the frame, thebackrest configured to pivot relative to the frame; a seating sectionconnected to the backrest, the seating section configured to pivotrelative to the backrest; a track connected to the frame, the trackpositioned within an outer perimeter of the seating section andunderneath the seating section, proximate to the ground relative to theseating section, when the seating rests on the surface; and a guideconnected to the seating section and slideably engaging the track, theguide configured to move along the along the track and support theseating section against the track. The reclinable seating is moveablebetween an upright position and a reclined position, the backrestpivoting from being more vertical to less vertical relative to thesurface from the upright position to the reclined position. The trackpushes at least a portion of the seating section away from the surfacewhile the seating is moved into the reclined position.

In some embodiments, the reclinable seating can include one or more ofthe following: while the track pushes the at least a portion of theseating section away from surface, the backrest pivots relative toseating section to be less vertical; the track includes an uprisingportion that has an upward slope relative to the surface from the rearportion to the front portion of the frame; the track includes an arcuateportion that the guide vertically rises and moves forward on as theseating section travels forward toward the front portion of the framewhile the seating is moved into the reclined position; the arcuateportion is substantially vertical proximate to the front portion of theframe such that the guide is substantially suspended on the arcuateportion in the reclined position and supports relatively less weightthan when the guide is on other portions of the arcuate portion; thetrack further includes a hanger connected to the arcuate portion of thetrack and connected to the frame proximal to the front portion of theframe relative to the arcuate portion, the hanger configured to inhibitmovement of the guide beyond the arcuate portion of the track when theseating is being reclined; the hanger is substantially horizontal toform a discontinuous path where the hanger connects to the arcuateportion, the discontinuous path inhibiting movement of the guide fromthe arcuate portion of the track to the hanger; the track includes ahorizontal portion proximate to the rear portion of the frame, thehorizontal portion configured to vertically support the guide in orderto support a weight of a user when the seating is in the uprightposition; the frame further includes a cross member, the cross member atleast in part providing the connection between the track and the frame,the cross member positioned proximate to the rear portion of the framerelative to the track, the cross member configured to inhibit movementof the guide off the track as the guide moves toward the rear portion ofthe frame along the track when the seating is being moved into theupright position; the cross member is positioned the within an outerperimeter of the seating section and underneath the seating section whenthe seating rests on the surface; the seating further includes anextension providing the connection between the guide and the seatingsection, the extension having a vertical length to elevate the seatingsection above the guide and provide sliding clearance between theseating section and the frame; the seating further includes a bracketproviding a connection between the guide and the extension; the guide ispivotally connected to the bracket to allow the guide to pivot relativeto the bracket as the guide moves along the track; the bracket engagesthe guide with a bolt and nut assembly; tension formed by tightening thebolt and nut assembly can be adjusted to change friction between theguide and the track to adjust ease with which the seating moves betweenthe upright and reclined positions; friction caused by the guideengaging the track can be adjusted based on a weight of a user to adjustease with which shifting the weight of the user moves the seatingbetween the upright and reclined positions; the seating further includesan other track connected to the frame, the other track including astraight portion upwardly rising along an other guide path movinggenerally in the direction from the rear portion to the front portion ofthe frame, the other track more proximate to the front portion of theframe than the track; the seating further includes an other guideconnected to the seating section and slideably engaged with the othertrack, the other guide configured to move along the straight portion ofthe other track and to remain engaged with other track along the otherguide path; as the seating is moved from the upright position to thereclined position and the other guide moves forward along the othertrack, the seating section moves toward the front portion of the frameand rises vertically relative to the frame; the other track ispositioned within the outer perimeter of the seating section andunderneath the seating section, proximate to the ground relative to theseating section, when the reclinable seating rests on the surface;and/or the chaise has a length sufficient to support a body of a userentirely off the surface when the user is in a prone position.

Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to adjustable furniturewith a support surface having a first resting position and a secondresting position. The adjustable furniture can include the following: aframe including a front portion and a rear portion, the frame configuredto support the adjustable furniture relative to a surface on which thefurniture rests; a track connected to the frame, the track including anarcuate portion descending at a radius along at least a part of a guidepath moving generally in a direction from the rear portion to the frontportion of the frame; a guide engaging the track, the guide configuredto move along the arcuate portion and to remain engaged with the trackalong the at least a part of the guide path; and a support surfaceconnected to the guide, the support surface configured to move withguide as the guide moves along the guide path on the arcuate portion.The support surface is continuously moveable between a first restingposition and a second resting position as the guide moves along theguide path on the arcuate portion. The support surface is in the firstresting position when the guide is proximate to the rear portion of theframe. The support surface is in the second resting position when theguide is proximate to the front portion of the frame; the supportsurface in the second resting position is angled downwardly relative tothe surface moving generally in the direction from the rear portion tothe front portion of the frame.

In some embodiments, the adjustable furniture can include one or more ofthe following: a degree of downward angle between the support surfaceand the surface increases along the at least a part of the guide path asthe support surface is moved from first resting position to the secondresting position; the radius of descent of the arcuate portion issubstantially constant along the at least a part of the guide path toincrease a degree of downward angle between the support surface and thesurface at an increasing rate as the support surface is moved from firstresting position to the second resting position; the radius of descentdecreases along the at least a part of the guide path moving generallyin the direction from the rear portion to the front portion to increasea degree of downward angle between the support surface and the surfaceat an increasing rate moving in the direction along the at least a partof the guide path moving generally along the direction from the rearportion to the front portion; the support surface is angled relative tothe surface when the support surface is in the first resting position;inclination of the support surface in the first resting position isopposite to inclination of the support surface in the second restingposition; the support surface is substantially level with the surfacewhen the support surface is in the first resting position; the supportsurface is inhibited from moving further generally in a direction fromthe front portion to the rear portion of the frame beyond the firstresting position; the arcuate portion ascends at an other radius alongat least another part of the guide path moving generally in thedirection from the rear portion to the front portion of the frame; theat least a part of the guide path is proximate to the front portion ofthe frame, and the at least another part of the guide path is proximateto the rear portion of the frame; the radius and other radius aresubstantially equal; the radius decreases from the other radius alongthe guide path generally in the direction from the rear portion to thefront portion of the frame; the adjustable furniture further includingan other guide engaging the track that is engaged by the guide; theother guide is configured to move along the arcuate portion and toremain engaged with the track along the at least another part of theguide path; the track further includes a hanger connected to the arcuateportion of the track and connected to the frame proximal to the rearportion of the frame relative to the arcuate portion, the hangerconfigured to inhibit movement of the other guide beyond the arcuateportion of the track toward the rear portion of the frame when thesupport surface is in the first resting position; the hanger verticallyascends from the arcuate portion to the rear portion of the frame toform a discontinuous path where the hanger connects to the arcuateportion, the discontinuous path inhibiting movement of the guide fromthe arcuate portion to the hanger; the frame further includes a crossmember, the cross member providing the connection between the track andthe frame, the cross member positioned proximal to the front portion ofthe frame relative to the track, the cross member configured to inhibitmovement of the guide off the track as the guide moves toward the frontportion of the frame on the track when the support surface is beingmoved into the second resting position; the adjustable furniture furtherincluding an extension providing the connection between the guide andthe support surface, the extension having a vertical length to elevatethe support surface above the track to provide sliding clearance betweenthe support surface and the track; the adjustable furniture furtherincluding a bracket providing a connection between the guide and theextension; the guide is pivotally connected to the bracket to allow theguide to pivot relative to the bracket as the guide moves along thearcuate portion of the track; the bracket engages the guide with a boltand nut assembly; tension formed by tightening the bolt and nut assemblycan be adjusted to change friction between the guide and the track toadjust ease with which the support surface moves between the first andsecond resting positions; friction caused by the guide engaging thetrack can be adjusted based on a weight of a user to adjust ease withwhich shifting the weight of the user moves the support surface betweenthe first and second resting positions; an ottoman including theadjustable furniture; the support surface includes a foot rest; aseating including the adjustable furniture; the support surface includesa seat; the seating includes a backrest connected to frame, the backrestfixed relative to the frame while the support surface is continuouslyadjustable between the first resting position and the second restingposition; the backrest and the support surface in the first restingposition are substantially at a 90 degree angle to each other; thesupport surface is angled relative to the surface when the supportsurface is in the first resting position; and/or inclination of thesupport surface in the first resting position is opposite to inclinationof the support surface in the second resting position

Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to adjustable furniturewith a rest having a first position and a second position. Theadjustable furniture can include the following: a frame including afront portion and a rear portion, the frame configured to support theadjustable furniture relative to a surface on which the furniture rests;a guiderail connected to the frame, the guiderail including a curvedportion that is convex from a perspective of the surface, the curvedportion first ascending then descending along a guide path movinggenerally in a direction from the rear portion to the front portion ofthe frame; a guide assembly engaging the guiderail, the guide assemblyconfigured to move along the curved portion and to remain engaged withthe guiderail along the guide path; and a rest including a front partproximate to the front portion of the portion and a rear part proximateto the rear portion of the frame, the rest connected to the guideassembly, the rest configured to move with the guide assembly as theguide assembly moves along the guide path on the curved portion. Therest is continuously moveable between a first position and a secondposition as the guide assembly moves along the guide path on the curvedportion. The rest is in the second position when the guide assembly isproximate to the front portion of the frame; the front part of the restis vertically lower than the rear part of the rest when the rest is inthe second position.

In some embodiments, the adjustable furniture can include one or more ofthe following: the front part of the rest lowers and rear part of therest rises as the rest is moved to the second position and the guidemoves along at least a part of the guide path; the curved portion hassubstantially a same convex shape along the guide path to impart anincreasing rate of descent to the front portion of the rest as the guideassembly moves along the guide path on the curved portion; the curvedportion has a generally convex shape with a decreasing radius along atleast a part of the guide path moving generally in the direction fromthe rear portion to the front portion of the frame to impart anincreasing rate of descent to the front portion of the rest as the guideassembly moves along the at least a part of the guide path on the curvedportion; the rest is angled relative to the surface when the rest is inthe first position; inclination of the rest in the first position isopposite to inclination of the rest in the second position; the rest issubstantially level with the surface when the rest is in the firstposition; the rest is inhibited from moving further generally in adirection from the front portion to the rear portion of the frame beyondthe first position; the adjustable furniture an other guide assemblyengaging the guiderail that is engaged by the guide assembly; the guidedescends on the curved portion of the guiderail along the guide pathwhile the other guide ascends on the curved portion of the guiderailalong the guide path when the rest is moved from the first position tothe second position; the guiderail further includes a hanger connectedto the curved portion of the track and connected to the frame proximalto the rear portion of the frame relative to the curved portion, thehanger configured to inhibit movement of the other guide assembly beyondthe curved portion of the guiderail toward the rear portion of the framewhen the rest is in the first position; the hanger is connected to thecurved portion at an angle relative to the guide path to form adiscontinuous path inhibiting movement of the guide assembly from thecurved portion to the hanger; the frame further includes a cross member,the cross member providing the connection between the guiderail and theframe, the cross member positioned proximal to the front portion of theframe relative to the track, the cross member configured to inhibitmovement of the guide assembly off the guiderail as the guide assemblymoves toward the front portion of the frame along the guide path on thecurved portion when the rest is being moved into the second position;the adjustable furniture further including an extension providing theconnection between the guide assembly and the rest, the extension havinga vertical length to elevate the rest above the guiderail to providesliding clearance between the rest and the guiderail; the adjustablefurniture further including a bracket providing a connection between theguide assembly and the extension; the guide assembly is pivotallyconnected to the bracket to allow the guide assembly to pivot relativeto the bracket as the guide assembly moves along the curved portion ofthe guiderail; the bracket engages the guide assembly with a bolt andnut assembly; tension formed by tightening the bolt and nut assembly canbe adjusted to change friction between the guide assembly and theguiderail to adjust ease with which the rest moves between the first andsecond positions; friction caused by the guide assembly engaging theguiderail can be adjusted based on a weight of a user to adjust easewith which shifting the weight of the user moves the rest between thefirst and second positions; the guide assembly includes a first slidingshoe and a second sliding shoe, the first and second sliding shoes, whenassembled, forming an opening to slideably engage the guiderail; anottoman including the adjustable furniture; the rest includes a footrest; a seating including the adjustable furniture; the rest includes aseat; the seating includes a backrest connected to frame, the backrestfixed relative to the frame while the rest is continuously adjustablebetween the first position and the second position; the backrest and therest in the first position are substantially at a 90 degree angle toeach other; the rest is angled relative to the surface when the rest isin the first position; and/or inclination of the rest in the firstposition is opposite to inclination of the rest in the second position.

Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to adjustable furniturewith a rest having a first resting position and a second restingposition. The adjustable furniture can include the following: a frameincluding a front portion and a rear portion, the frame configured tosupport the adjustable furniture relative to a surface on which thefurniture rests; a first guiderail connected to the frame, the firstguiderail including a first curved portion that is convex from aperspective of the surface, the first curved portion ascending thendescending along a first guide path moving generally in a direction fromthe rear portion to the front portion of the frame; a first guideassembly engaging the first guiderail, the first guide assemblyconfigured to move along the first curved portion and to remain engagedwith the first guiderail along the first guide path; a second guideassembly engaging the first guiderail, the second guide assemblyconfigured to move along the first curved portion and to remain engagedwith the first guiderail along the first guide path, the second guideassembly proximate to the rear portion of the frame relative to thefirst guide assembly; a second guiderail connected to the frame, thesecond guiderail including a second curved portion that is convex fromthe perspective of the surface, the second curved portion ascending thendescending along a second guide path moving generally in the directionfrom the rear portion to the front portion of the frame; a third guideassembly engaging the second guiderail, the third guide assemblyconfigured to move along the second curved portion and to remain engagedwith the second guiderail along the second guide path; a fourth guideassembly engaging the second guiderail, the fourth guide assemblyconfigured to move along the second curved portion and to remain engagedwith the second guiderail along the second guide path, the fourth guideassembly proximate to the rear portion of the frame relative to thethird guide assembly; and a rest connected to the first, second, third,and fourth guide assemblies, the rest configured to move with the first,second, third, and fourth guide assemblies as the first, second, third,and fourth guide assemblies move along the first and second guide pathson the first and second curved portions. The rest is continuouslymoveable between a first resting position and a second resting positionas the first, second, third, and fourth guide assemblies move along thefirst and second guide paths on the first and second curved portions.The rest is fully supported by the first, second, third, and fourthguide assemblies. For example, the rest does not contact any otherportions or parts of the adjustable furniture. As another example of anembodiment, the rest is fully supported by only the first, second,third, and fourth guide assemblies without a connection or contact with,for example, a backrest.

In some embodiments, the adjustable furniture can include one or more ofthe following: a front part of the rest lowers and a rear part of therest raises as the rest is moved into the second resting position; therest includes a front portion proximate to the front portion of theframe and a rear part proximate to the rear portion of the frame; thefirst and second curved portions have substantially a same convex shapealong the first and second guide paths to impart an increasing rate ofdescent to the front portion of the rest as the first and third guideassemblies move along the first and second guide paths on the first andsecond curved portions; the rest includes a front portion proximate tothe front portion of the frame and a rear part proximate to the rearportion of the frame; the first and second curved portions have agenerally convex shape with a decreasing radius along at least a part ofthe first guide path and at least a part of the second guide path movinggenerally in the direction from the rear portion to the front portion ofthe frame to impart an increasing rate of descent to the front portionof the rest as the first and third guide assemblies move along the atleast parts of the first and second guide paths on the first and secondcurved portions; the rest is angled relative to the surface when therest is in the first resting position; inclination of the supportsurface in the first resting position is opposite to inclination of thesupport surface in the second resting position; the rest issubstantially level with the surface when the support surface is in thefirst resting position; the rest is inhibited from moving furthergenerally in a direction from the front portion to the rear portion ofthe frame beyond the first resting position; the first and secondguiderails further include first and second hangers, respectively,connected to the first and second curved portions, respectively, andconnected to the frame proximal to the rear portion of the framerelative to the first and second curved portion, the first and secondhangers configured to inhibit movement of the second and fourth guideassemblies beyond the first and second curved portions toward the rearportion of the frame when the rest is in the first resting position; thefirst and second hangers are connected to the first and second curvedportions at an angle relative to the first and second guide paths toform discontinuous paths inhibiting movement of the second and fourthguide assemblies from the first and second curved portions to the firstand second hangers; the frame further includes a cross member, the crossmember providing the connection between the first and second guiderailsand the frame, the cross member positioned proximal to the front portionof the frame relative to the first and second guiderails, the crossmember configured to inhibit movement of the first and third guideassemblies off the track as the first and second guide assemblies movetoward the front portion of the frame along the first and second guidepaths on the curved portion when the rest is being moved into the secondresting position; the adjustable furniture further including includingfirst, second, third, and fourth extensions providing the connectionsbetween the first, second, third, and fourth guide assemblies and therest, respectively, the first, second, third, and fourth extensionshaving a vertical length to elevate the rest above the first and secondguiderails to provide sliding clearance between the rest and the firstand second guiderails; the adjustable furniture further including first,second, third, and fourth brackets providing a connection between thefirst, second, third, and fourth guide assemblies and the extension,respectively; the first, second, third, and fourth guide assemblies arepivotally connected to the first, second, third, and fourth brackets toallow the first, second, third, and fourth guide assemblies to pivotrelative to the first, second, third, and fourth brackets, respectively,as the first, second, third, and fourth guide assemblies move along thefirst and second curved portions of the first and second guiderails; atleast one of the first, second, third, and fourth brackets engages thefirst, second, third, and fourth guide assemblies, respectively, with abolt and nut assembly; tension formed by tightening the bolt and nutassembly can be adjusted to change friction between at least one of thefirst, second, third, and fourth guide assemblies and at least one ofthe first and second guiderails to adjust ease with which the rest movesbetween the first and second resting positions; friction caused by atleast one of the first, second, third, and fourth guide assembliesengaging at least one of the first and second guiderails can be adjustedbased on a weight of a user to adjust ease with which shifting theweight of the user moves the rest between the first and second restingpositions; at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth guideassemblies includes a first sliding shoe and a second sliding shoe, thefirst and second sliding shoes, when assembled, forming an opening toengage at least one of the first and second guiderails; an ottomanincluding the adjustable furniture; the rest includes a foot rest; aseating including the adjustable furniture; the rest includes a seat;the seating includes a backrest connected to frame, the backrest fixedrelative to the frame while the rest is continuously adjustable betweenthe first resting position and the second resting position; the backrestand the rest in the first resting position are substantially at a 90degree angle to each other; the rest is angled relative to the surfacewhen the rest is in the first resting position or the second restingposition; and/or inclination of the rest in the first resting positionis opposite to inclination of the rest in the second resting position.

The foregoing is a summary and contains simplifications, generalization,and omissions of detail. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any waylimiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices and/orprocesses and/or other subject matter described herein will becomeapparent in the teachings set forth herein. The summary is provided tointroduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are furtherdescribed below in the Detailed Description. This summary is notintended to identify key features or essential features of any subjectmatter described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will becomemore fully apparent from the following description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depictonly some embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are,therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosurewill be described with additional specificity and detail through use ofthe accompanying drawings. The associated descriptions are provided toillustrate embodiments and not to limit the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a side view of reclinable seating in an upright position.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the reclinable seating in a fully reclinedposition.

FIG. 2 is a front-perspective view of the reclinable seating includingsupportive straps on the seat and backrest.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are front-perspective views of the inner and outersurfaces of the pivot connection between the backrest and seat in thereclinable seating.

FIG. 4 is a front-perspective view of the reclinable seating in anupright position.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the reclinable seating showing an alternativeposition for the guide assembly.

FIG. 6 is a bottom-perspective view of a track and guide assembly usedin the reclinable seating.

FIG. 7 is a side-perspective view of a track and guide assembly used inthe reclinable seating.

FIG. 8 shows a front-perspective view of an example frame for a loveseat including the reclinable seating.

FIG. 9 shows a rear-perspective view of the connection between the innertracks and the front member of the frame in the example frame of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of the reclinable seating.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an embodiment of the reclinable seating invarious positions.

FIG. 12 is a side, front, top perspective view of an embodiment of thereclinable seating.

FIG. 13 is a side, bottom, front perspective view of an embodiment ofthe reclinable seating.

FIGS. 14A-C illustrate an embodiment of a pivot connection forconnecting the backrest and a bed of the reclinable seating.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a pivot member for connecting thebed and the frame of the reclinable seating.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a guide assembly.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the guide assembly.

FIG. 18 is a back view of an embodiment of the backrest and the bed ofthe seating.

FIG. 19 illustrates a side, top, perspective view of an embodiment of areclinable seating with an ottoman.

FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a seating and anottoman.

FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a seating in anupright position.

FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an ottoman.

FIGS. 23-25 illustrate side front and back perspective views of anembodiment of the reclinable seating with various components removed fordiscussion purposes.

FIG. 26 illustrates a side, back, bottom perspective view of anembodiment of tracks.

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate side front and back perspective views of anembodiment of an adjustable ottoman with various components removed fordiscussion purposes.

FIG. 29 illustrates a side, top, perspective view of an embodiment of anadjustable seating.

FIGS. 30A-B illustrate side views of an embodiment of an adjustableseating with various components removed for discussion purposes.

FIGS. 31A-B illustrate side, top, perspective views an embodiment of anadjustable seating with various components removed for discussionpurposes.

FIG. 32 illustrates side, top, perspective views of embodiments oftracks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description and drawings are not meant to be limiting. Otherembodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.It will be readily understood that the aspects of the presentdisclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in theFigures, may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a widevariety of different configurations, all of which are explicitlycontemplated and made a part of this disclosure.

Example Embodiment of a Chair

An example embodiment of reclinable seating 100 is shown in FIG. 1A andFIG. 1B. In this example, the seating 100 is a chair. However, theseating 100 can be integrated into a variety of formal and casual,indoor and outdoor seating options, such stationary or swivel rockers orchairs, lounge chairs, action loungers or swivel action loungers, chaiseloungers, settees, love seats, couches, and the like.

The seating 100 includes a backrest 112 portion that is configured torecline from an “upright” position, as shown in FIG. 1A, to a “fullyreclined” position, as shown in FIG. 1B. For more formal dining-typeseating, the backrest 112 can be in the range of about 102° to 122°(e.g., around) 110° relative to the ground in the upright position andin the range of about 123° to 143° (e.g., around) 133° relative to theground in the fully reclined position. For lounge-type seating, thebackrest 112 can in the range of about 104° to 124° (e.g., around 113°)relative to the ground in the upright position and in the range of 135°to 155° (e.g., around 145°) relative to the ground in the fully reclinedposition. The seat 114 is generally in the range of 9° to 16° relativeto the ground in the upright position for dining- and deep-type seating.The seat angle for the fully reclined position will be discussed in moredetail below.

The seating 100 is continuously adjustable, in that a user can positionthe backrest 112 at any point between upright and fully reclined. Theseating 100 also includes a seat 114 portion. Cushioning can be providedon the seat 114 and/or backrest 112. However, such cushioning isoptional. As shown in FIG. 2, for instance, the seat 114 and backrest112 can include transverse straps 210 engaged around supportive tubing.As additional examples, the seat and backrest can include a fabric ormesh sling, woven straps, or a solid cast material. Sling, strap, andcast seating are known in the art, and the seating disclosed herein canbe integrated with each.

With reference to FIG. 1A, the seat 114 can be connected to the backrest112 at the rear of the seat 114, for example, using a hinge, pin, rod,or other suitable pivot 116, so that the seat 114 can move relative tothe backrest 112.

An example pivot 116 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3A, which showsthe pivot 116 from the inside-out, and FIG. 3B, which shows the pivot116 from the outside-in.

With reference to FIG. 1A, a frame 118 is disposed around the backrest112 and seat 114. The example frame 118 includes a front member 120,rear members 122, and a track 124.

The front member 120 is located near the front of the seat 114.Conventional framing components known in the art can be used for thefront member 120. For instance, a front arm post or other suitablegenerally upright framing component can be used, as shown in FIG. 1A. Asshown in FIG. 4, two front members 120 can extend upward at a 90° anglerelative to the ground. However, any generally upright angle is suitablefor use herein. For instance, two front members can be generallytrapezoidal relative to each other. Alternatively, a generallyhorizontal front rail or other non-upright framing component can beused. A front rail 120′ is shown in FIG. 8, which is discussed in moredetail below. Materials commonly used for framing are woods, such asteak, cedar, oak, or the like, metals, such as aluminum, steel, iron, orthe like, or synthetic polymers, such as heavy-duty plastics andcomposites. These materials are suitable for use in the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, the rear members 122 are located near therear of the seat 114. In this example, the rear members 122 include afirst rear member 126 and a second rear member 412, which is omittedfrom FIG. 1A, but shown in the perspective view of FIG. 4. Again,conventional framing components can be used for the rear members 122,and the first rear member can be positioned at any suitable angle. Forexample, the first rear member 126 can include a generally uprightmember, such as a back upright slat, or a back arm post, as shown inFIG. 1A. A back rail, crest rail, or other generally horizontal framingcomponent, such as the back rail 414 in FIG. 4, is also suitable. Otherirregular angles, such as trapezoidal angles, are also suitable for use.

In the example embodiment of FIG. 4, a second rear member 412 extendssubstantially horizontally, e.g., generally perpendicularly, from thefirst rear member 126. The second rear member 412 is configured toprovide support for the backrest 112, and to provide a pivot connectionto the frame 118 that allows the backrest 112 to move in relation to theseat 114. The second rear member 412 can include a hinge, pin, rod, balland socket, or other suitable pivot connection adjoined to or passingthrough the backrest 112.

As explained above, the second rear member 412 provides a pivotalconnection to the backrest 112. However, the second rear member 412could be removed, and the back rail 414 or crest rail extendingperpendicularly from the first rear member 126 could serve a similarfunction. In such an embodiment, the backrest 112 does not pivot about aconnection to the frame 118. Rather, the backrest 112 would abut theframe 118 at the back rail 414, and pivot about the abutment.

Returning again to FIG. 1A, a track 124 extends from the front member120 toward (that is, in the direction of) the rear members 122.Preferably, the track 124 adjoins both the front member 120 and thefirst rear member 126, but it need not do so. For instance, the track124 could contact the front member 120 and the ground.

A guide assembly 132 is configured to support the seat 114 on the track124. In FIG. 1A, the guide assembly 132 extends laterally from the sideof the seat 114 and engages a portion of the track to the side of theseat 114. An alternative configuration for the guide assembly 132′ isshown in FIG. 5. In that example, the guide assembly 132′ extendsdownwardly from the seat 114 and engages a portion of track 124′underneath the seat 114. Such a track-and-guide assembly configurationcan be advantageously incorporated into seating lacking one or morearmrests, as explained in detail below.

An example guide assembly 132 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 6 andFIG. 7. In this example, the guide assembly 132 includes a connectorportion 610 that is fixedly attached to the seat. Suitable methods forattaching the connector portion 410 and the seat are known in the artand include screwing, bolting, and so on. The guide assembly 132 alsoincludes a slide portion 612, including a device such as a slide shoe orcylinder, which is slideably engaged with the track 124. In thisexample, the slide portion 612 includes a first half slide shoe 614 anda second half slide shoe 614′ engaged around the track 124. At least theinner surfaces of the first half slide shoe 614 and the second halfslide shoe 614′ are made of a durable material having a low coefficientof friction with the track 124. The coefficient of friction should besufficiently low to permit the slide portion 612 to easily slide on thetrack 124 when the user changes his or her center of gravity on theseating 100. Furthermore, the material should be sufficiently durable towithstand repeated use under heavy loads. DELRIN®, a polyoxymethyleneplastic originally manufactured by DuPont, which is hard, yet has adynamic coefficient of friction against steel in the range of about 0.19to 0.41, has been used successfully. However, a variety of durable,low-friction materials, such as compositions of rubbers, resins andplastics (e.g., PTFE, HDPE, TEFLON®), ceramics (e.g., BN), metals(bronze, Mb), and/or graphite are also contemplated for use in the slideportion 612.

In certain embodiments, the guide assembly 132 also includes africtional control 616, such as a knob, that permits a user to increasethe amount of friction between the slide portion 612 and the track 124.In this example, the frictional control 616 is in the form of a wheel.However, alternative knobs, such as a bar, cubical or spherical member,and the like are also suitable for use. In the embodiment of FIG. 6 andFIG. 7 the frictional control 616 increases the tightness of the firsthalf slide shoe 614 and a second half slide shoe 614′ around the track124. Preferably, the frictional control 616 is adjusted so that theamount of friction between the slide portion 612 and the track 124 islarge enough such that a user, sitting relatively still in anequilibrium position, will not cause the slide portion 612 to slidealong the track 124. However, the adjustment will preferably keep thecoefficient sufficiently low, such that when the user shifts his or hercenter of gravity, the slide portion 612 will slide along the track 124in response to the shift.

As the slide portion 612 slides along the track 124 in response tochanges in the user's center of gravity, the seat and backrest will moveaccordingly to accommodate the user's position. Thus, once the useradjusts the frictional control 616 to the user's specific body weight,the seating will adjust itself to various positions simply by the usershifting his or her weight.

After the initial adjustment, the frictional control 616 no longer needsto be adjusted. However, the frictional control 616 can be adjusted atany time to “lock” the seating 100 into a particular position byincreasing the coefficient of friction between the track 124 and theslide portion 612, such that the slide portion 612 will not move if theuser changes his or her center of gravity.

Although the frictional control 616 advantageously permits a high degreeof customization to a user's particular weight and center of gravity, itis optional. For example, the materials and configuration of the slideportion 612 can be selected to provide a coefficient of friction that issufficiently high to permit the slide portion 612 to hold its positionwhen the user stops changing his or her center of gravity for a majorityof users, for example, assuming a normal distribution around an averageuser weight of about 180 lbs. (81.6 kg). This configuration wouldadvantageously allow the seating to hold an equilibrium position untilapplication of force, as described above, for most users. Materials suchas DELRIN® have been found to function without such a frictional control616. Such a configuration could be advantageously employed in, forexample, the middle section(s) of a couch in which a frictional controlis not easily reachable by the occupant; however, it can be employed inany furniture configuration embodying the disclosed seating.

With reference again to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, as the seating 100 movesfrom the upright position (FIG. 1A) to the fully reclined position (FIG.1B), the rear portion of the seat 114 begins to lift upward, because therear portion of the seat 114 is pivotally connected to the backrest 112,which itself is rotatably connected to the frame 118. It was discovered,however, that a user's comfort can be improved if the angle of the seat114 relative to the ground is maintained in the range of 8° to 22° whenthe backrest 112 is fully reclined. Maintaining such an angle decreasesa user's desire to elevate his or her knees when seated in a reclinedposition if the angle is too steep or, conversely, obviates the user'sfeeling of sliding off the seat if the angle is too shallow. Thus,certain embodiments include the realization that reclinable seating 100should increase vertical distance between the front of the seat 114 andthe ground as the backrest 112 reclines, to improve user comfort.Accordingly, some preferred embodiments of the invention seek to enhancecomfort of and convenience of use for the user by configuring theseating such that, in use, the front of the seat portion will rise. Theplane or angle of the seat portion, with respect to its front, maydecrease with respect to the floor or ground as the seating is reclined,or the plane or angle may remain relatively constant.

An example method for increasing the vertical distance between the frontportion of the seat 114 and the ground as the backrest 112 reclines isexplained below. As shown in FIG. 1A, at least a portion of the track124 slopes downward, with the higher portion of the slope toward thefront member 120 and the lower portion of the slope toward the rearmembers 122. The guide assembly 132 is engaged with the track 124 withinthis downward-sloping portion of the track 124. When the backrest 112 isin the upright position, as in FIG. 1A, the guide assembly 132 isengaged with the track 124 near the bottommost portion of the slope. Asthe backrest 112 reclines, the guide assembly 132 slides up the slope.When the backrest 112 is fully reclined, as in FIG. 1B, the guideassembly 132 is engaged with the track 124 near the topmost portion ofthe slope. Such a configuration increases the vertical distance betweenthe front of the seat 114 and the ground as the backrest 112 reclines,permitting the seat 114 to have an angle of 9° to 16° (from the rear ofthe seat 114 or pivot 116) relative to the ground when the backrest 112is upright, and an angle relative to the ground in the range of 8° to22° (from the rear of the seat 114 or pivot 116) when the backrest 112is fully reclined. This configuration advantageously improves a user'scomfort throughout the range of movement of the seating 100.

For a user's safety and/or comfort, it can be desirable to limit theseating 100 movement. As explained above, the rear portion of the seat114 lifts as the backrest 112 reclines. This motion causes the frontportion of the seat 114 to move laterally outward (that is, in adirection away from the backrest). It can be desirable to limit thisforward lateral travel to between about 3 in. (7.62 cm) and 8 in. (20.32cm), for example, to about 4¾ in. (12.07 cm) of forward lateral travelfor dining-type seating or about 6.375 in. (16.19 cm) of forward lateraltravel for deep-type seating. As another example, it can also bedesirable to limit the backward lateral travel of the seat 114 (that is,travel toward the direction of the backrest 112). As the seat 114 movesbackward, toward the backrest 112, the backrest 112 will move forwardtoward the seat 114. If this motion were not limited, the backrest 112and seat 114 could fold together, which raises a potential safetyconcern.

Thus, the track 124 can include stops that limit the range of movementof the backrest 112 and/or seat 114. An example of a stop is anupward-projecting member in the track 124, such as an upward-projectingbend. The example of FIG. 1A includes two upward-projecting bends, afront bend 134 and a back bend 136. The example of FIG. 5 includes oneupward-projecting bend, a back bend 136. The guide assembly 132 cannottravel up the steep angle between the upward-projecting bends and thelower portion of the track 124. Thus, the front bend 134 limits theforward lateral travel of the seat 114. Without, for example, a frontbed 134 as illustrated in FIG. 5, forward lateral travel of the seat 114can be limited by the guide assembly 132 not being travel off the track124′ beyond a connection point to a member of the frame as discussedherein. The limitation upon lateral travel of the seat 114 also resultsin a limitation upon the amount that the backrest 112 reclines.Consequently, the front bend also defines the fully reclined backrest112 position. The back bend 136, limits the backward lateral travel ofthe seat 114 (and, consequently, defines the upright backrest 112position). One or more of these bends can be eliminated if no limitationon the forward and/or backward lateral movement of the seat 114 isdesired, other than the limitations created by the pivot connectionsdescribed herein. Moreover, alternative stops can be employed, such assolid stoppers placed along the track 124. The guide assembly 132 andtrack 124, including the front bend 134 and back bend 136 is shown ingreater detail in FIG. 7.

Frame components for a couch or loveseat are shown in FIG. 8. Theexample loveseat has outer armrests, but lacks inner armrests. The sidesof the frame include outer tracks 124 extending between upright frontmembers 120 and upright first rear members 126. The side tracks 124include a front bend 134 and a back bend 136. The center of the frameincludes inner tracks 124′ extending between a laterally-extending frontmember 120′ and an upright first rear member 126′. FIG. 9 shows adetailed rear-perspective view of the connection between the innertracks and the front member 120′ of the frame. The track 124′ includesback bend 136. As illustrated, the track 124′ can be directly connectedto the front member 120′ without a front bend. A seat and backrest canbe engaged with the frame, as described above, between each set of innerand outer tracks. The assembled loveseat would thus include a pair ofreclining seats and backrests. In the example of FIG. 8,downwardly-extending guide assemblies can be installed on the bottom ofthe seats to engage the inner tracks 124′ as discussed herein, whilelaterally-extending guide assemblies can be installed on the sides ofthe seats to engage the outer tracks 124 as discussed herein. When soinstalled, the front bends 134 of the outer tracks 124 would limit theforward travel of the seats. A three-person couch can be constructed byadding one or more additional seats and backrests between two outerseats and backrests. The additional seats and backrests can bereclinable or stationary.

Example Embodiment of a Chaise

Another example embodiment of reclinable seating 1100 is shown in FIGS.10-13. In this example, the seating 1100 is a chaise. However, theseating 1100 can be integrated into a variety of formal and casual,indoor and outdoor seating options, such stationary or swivel rockers orchairs, lounge chairs, action loungers or swivel action loungers, chaiseloungers, settees, love seats, couches, and the like.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are side views of an embodiment of the reclinableseating 1100. FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the seating in variouspositions. The seating 1100 includes a backrest 1112 portion that isconfigured to recline from an “upright” position to a “reclined”position. FIG. 11 illustrates two out of many possible positions for theseating 1100. The backrest 1112 is connected to a seating section or bed1114 via a pivot connection 1115. An example upright position versus anexample reclined position is illustrated by features of the reclinableseating 1100 having either an “a” or “b”, respectively, added to thecorresponding feature numerals in FIG. 11. The seating 1100 can movebeyond the example upright and reclined positions such as, for example,into a more fully upright position and a more fully reclined position,or other positions therebetween. Specifically, in the upright position,the backrest 1112 a can be in a nearly or substantially verticalposition, while the bed or seating section 1114 a can be in an inclinedposition (slope upwards) with respect to the ground from the pivotconnection 1116 a to the front of the bed 1112 a. In the reclinedposition, the backrest 1112 b can be in a nearly or substantiallyhorizontal (e.g., flat) position (lesser upward slope relative to thebackrest 1112 a in the upright position), while the bed 1114 b can alsobe in a horizontal (e.g., flat) position (lesser upward slope relativeto the bed 1114 a in the upright position). In some embodiments, the bed1114 b can be substantially level with the ground in the reclinedposition. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the bed 1114 b in the reclinedposition can slope downwards from the pivot connection 1116 b asdiscussed in further detail herein.

In some embodiments, the backrest 1112 a can be in the range of about90° to 122° (e.g., around 110°, and including about 100° to 115° andabout 105° to 110°, including the aforementioned values and borderingranges) relative to the ground in the upright position measured from thepivot connection 1116 a. The backrest 1112 b can be in the range ofabout 105° to 180° (e.g., around 133°, and including about 120° to 160°and about 130° to 150°, including the aforementioned values andbordering ranges) relative to the ground in the reclined positionmeasured from the pivot connection 1116 b. In some embodiments, thebackrest 1112 a can in the range of about 92° to 124° (e.g., around113°, and including about 100° to 115° and about 105° to 110°, includingthe aforementioned values and bordering ranges) relative to the groundin the upright position measured from the pivot connection 1116 a forexample, in lounge-type or deep-type of seating. For lounge-typeseating, the backrest 1112 b can be in the range of about 110° to 180°(e.g., around 145°, and including about 120° to 160° and about 130° to150°, including the aforementioned values and bordering ranges) relativeto the ground in the fully reclined position measured from the pivotconnection 1116 b. The bed 1114 a can be generally in the range of about1° to 30° (including about 9° to 20° and about 12° to 15°, including theaforementioned values and bordering ranges) relative to the ground inthe upright position measured from the pivot. The angle of the bed 1114b in the reclined position is discussed herein in further detail.

The seating 1100 is continuously adjustable, in that a user can positionthe backrest 1112 at any point between the upright and reclinedpositions. Cushioning can be provided on the backrest 1112 and/or bed1114. However, such cushioning is optional. For instance, the backrest1112 and/or bed 1114 can include transverse straps 210 engaged aroundsupportive tubing as shown for the reclinable seating 100 in FIG. 2. Asadditional examples, the seat and backrest can include a fabric or meshsling, woven straps, or a solid cast material. Sling, strap, castseating, and the seating disclosed herein can be integrated with each.

With reference to FIG. 10, the bed 1114 can be connected to the backrest1112 at the rear of the bed 1114, for example, using a hinge, pin, rod,or other suitable pivot connection 1116, so that the bed 1114 can moverelative to the backrest 1112. The pivot 1116 allows the backrest 1112and the bed 1114 to move relative to each other guided by other pivots,guides, and tracks as discussed herein. The pivot 1116 enables the bed1114 to move with the backrest 1112 to provide a fluid and synchronized(backrest 1112 and bed 1114 moving together) transition between theupright and reclined position as discussed herein.

FIGS. 14A-C illustrate an embodiment of a pivot connection 1116 forconnecting the backrest 1112 and the bed 1114. The pivot connection orpivot 1116 can include a backrest fitting 1111 connected to a bedfitting 1113, which can be connected to the backrest 1112 and bed 1114,respectively. The pivot 1116 can be any suitable joint to provide ahinged movement as discussed herein. As illustrated in FIGS. 14A-C, thebackrest fitting 1111 can be connected to the bed fitting 1113 with abolt 1115 and a nut 1117. The backrest fitting 1111 and bed fitting 1113can pivot or hinge relative to each other about the bolt 1115. The nut1115 can be tightened or loosened to provide a desired amount of tensionand a desired ease with which the backrest fitting 1111 and bed fitting1113 can pivot or hinge relative to each other. The nut 1115 can besecured in the desired position on the threads of the bolt 1115 usingany suitable mechanism known in the art. As shown in the FIGS. 14A-B,the bed fitting 1113 can fit into a recess in the backrest fitting 1111.The bolt 1115 can be inserted through corresponding openings of thebackrest fitting 1111 and the bed fitting 1113 for the fittings to pivotabout the same axis (central axis of the bold 1115). As shown in FIG.14C, the backrest fitting 1111 can have a stop wall 1119 disposed aboutthe recess in which the bed fitting 1113 is positioned in. The stop wall1119 can be positioned such that when the reclinable seating 1100 is inthe reclined positioned (e.g., the backrest 1112 and bed 1114 are atnearly 180° relative to each other), the bed fitting 1113 comes againstor abuts the stop wall 1119, inhibiting or preventing the backrest 1112and bed 1114 from pivoting any further relative to each other. The stopwall 1119 can be disposed/positioned such that backrest 1112 and bed1114 are inhibited from pivoting beyond any desired angle, such as, forexample, less than about 180, 170, 160, 150, or 140°, including theforegoing values and bordering ranges.

With reference to FIGS. 10-13, a frame 1118 is disposed around thebackrest 1112 and the bed 1114. The example frame 1118 includes frontmembers 1120, middle members 1121, rear members 1122, front top members1123, rear top members 1125, pivot support members 1410, a straighttrack 1124, and arced track 1127 (e.g., curved track, arcuate track,etc.). The front members 1120, middle members 1121, rear members 1122(e.g., support members) can rest on the ground as leg members providingsupport against the ground for the frame 1118. The tracks 1124, 1127 canform travel paths to act as guiderails in a direction substantiallyparallel to (or generally along) a direction between the rear and front(e.g., foot portion) of the seating 1100. In some embodiments, the reartop members 1125 can act as armrests.

FIG. 12 is a side, front, top perspective view of an embodiment of thereclinable seating 1100. The front members 1120 are located near thefront of the bed 1114 or frame 1118. The middle members 1121 are locatednear the middle, rear-middle, or front middle of bed 1114 or frame 1118.Conventional framing components known in the art can be used for thefront members 1120 and middle members 1121. For instance, a front legpost or other suitable generally upright framing component can be used,as shown in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 12, two front members 1120 and twomiddle members 1121 can extend upward at a 90° angle relative to theground. However, any generally upright angle is suitable for use herein.For instance, two front members and/or two middle members can begenerally trapezoidal relative to each other. Alternatively, a generallyhorizontal front rail or other non-upright framing component can beused. Materials commonly used for framing are woods, such as teak,cedar, oak, or the like, metals, such as aluminum, steel, iron, or thelike, or synthetic polymers, such as heavy-duty plastics and composites.These materials are suitable for use in the embodiments disclosedherein.

Referring again to FIG. 10, the rear members 1122 are located near therear of the backrest 1112 or frame 1118. Again, conventional framingcomponents can be used for the rear members 1122, and the rear memberscan be positioned at any suitable angle. For example, the rear members1122 can include a generally upright member, such as a back uprightslat, or a back arm post, as shown in FIG. 10. A back rail, crest rail,cross rail, cross member, or other generally horizontal framingcomponent, such as the back rail 1414, is also suitable. Other irregularangles, such as trapezoidal angles, are also suitable for use.

In the example embodiment of FIG. 12, a second rear member 1412 (e.g., apivot member) extends substantially horizontally, such as, generallyperpendicularly, from pivot support members 1410. The second rear member1412 is configured to provide support for the backrest 1112 and toprovide a pivot connection to the frame 1118 that allows the backrest1112 to move in relation to the bed 1114 and/or frame 1118. The secondrear member 1412 can include a hinge, pin, rod, ball and socket, orother suitable pivot connection and/or member adjoined to or passingthrough the backrest 1112. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG.12, two second rear member 1412 can be connected to the frame 1118 viathe pivot support members 1410. The two second rear members 1412 canconnect to the opposite sides of the backrest 1112. The connectionsbetween the frame 1118 and/or the backrest 1112 can be any pivotalconnection to allow the backrest 1112 to pivot relative to the frame1118 as discussed herein.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a pivot member 1412. The pivotmember 1412 can be a bolt 1115 connecting the back rest 1112 to thepivot support member 1410 of the frame 1118. As illustrated in FIG. 15,a nut 1117 can secure the bolt 1115 to the backrest 1112. In someembodiments, another nut can also secure the bolt 1115 to the pivotsupport member 1410. In some embodiments, a head of the bolt 1115 cansecure the bolt 1115 to the pivot support member 1410. The pivot member1412 can be secured to the frame 1118 and/or the backrest 1112 with anysuitable mechanical connection as discussed herein, such as, forexample, interference fit mechanisms, snap fit mechanisms, notchedmechanism, and so forth, which can include using male and female matingparts. The pivot member 1412 can have a spacer 1152, which asillustrated in FIG. 15, can be a sleeve that slides over the bolt 1115to provide a minimum separation between the pivot support member 1410and the backrest 1112. When provided on both sides of the backrest 1112,the spacers 1152 can substantially fix the backrest 1112 relative toframe 1118 along the axis of the pivot members 1412.

In some embodiments, the back rail 1414 (or crest rail) extendingperpendicularly from the rear members 1122 could serve a similarfunction with or without second rear member 412 to provide a pivotconnection to the backrest 1112 relative to the frame 1118. The backrest1112 can abut the frame 1118 at the back rail 1414, and pivot about theabutment. This pivoting abutment connection can be secured via, forexample, bolts.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the frame 1118 can include supportmembers 1413, a front rail or member 1415, a front brace or member 1417,a middle brace or member 1419, a middle rail or member 1421. These railscan be cross rails, braces, or members positioned along the frame toprovide structural support and support to other features of the seating1100 as discussed herein. The front rail 1415 can extends between frontmembers 1120. In some embodiments, the front rail 1415 can extendbetween the front top members 1123. The middle rail 1421 extends betweenthe middle members 1121. In some embodiments, the middle rail 1421 canextend between the front top members 1123. In some embodiments, theframe 1118 can have other vertical (or other types) members between thefront members 1120 and middle members 1121. The other members can beconnected to the front top member 1123. The other members can be supportby and be connected to any of the aforementioned features for supportingthe straight tracks 1124 and/or arced tracks 1125. For example, thefront brace 1417 and/or middle brace 1419 can be connected to the othermembers that are connected to the frame 1118 (including the front topmembers 1123). The front brace 1417 and/or middle brace 1419 areconnected to support members 1413. The support members 1413 can runparallel to the front top members 1123 and can be connected to the frontmember 1120 and middle members 1121.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the front rail 1415 and front brace 1417 cansupport one or more straight tracks 1124. The straight tracks 1124 canbe fixedly connected to the front rail 1415 and front brace 1417. Themiddle brace 1419 and middle rail 1421 can support one or more arcedtracks 1127. The arced tracks 1127 can be fixedly connected to themiddle brace 1419 and middle rail 1421.

In some embodiments, the arced track 1127 can be directly connected tothe middle brace 1419. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the arced track 1127can be spaced from the middle brace 1419 via one or more hangers 1129.The hangers 1129 can be substantially horizontal or parallel to aresting surface of the chaise. In some embodiments, the hangers 1129 canbe inclined downward toward or upward away from the resting surface(e.g., the ground, such as, concrete), up to about 5°, about 10°, about15°, about 20°, about 25°, about 30°, or more degrees, including theaforementioned values and bordering ranges. The hangers 1129 can spacethe arced track 1127 from the middle brace 1419 to inhibit contact withother features of the seating 1100 or limit guide assembly travel asdiscussed in further detail herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10-13, a first guide assembly 1132 is configuredto support the bed 1114 on the straight track 1124. A second guideassembly 1133 is configured to support the bed 1114 on the arced track1127. In some embodiments, the guide assembly 132 discussed herein, andin particular in reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 can be the first guideassembly 1132 and/or the second guide assembly 1133 configured to engagethe straight track 1124 and/or the arced track 1127.

FIG. 13 is a side, bottom, front perspective view of an embodiment ofthe reclinable seating 1100. The first guide assemblies 1132 can travelover a range S on the straight tracks 1124. Correspondingly, the secondguide assemblies 1133 can travel over a range C on the arced tracks1127. The travel range S of the first guide assemblies 1132 can belimited by the front rail 1415 and front brace 1417. For example, thefirst guide assemblies 1132 can come against or abut the front rail 1415and/or front brace 1417 as the reclinable seating 1100 is adjustedbetween the reclining position and the upright position, respectively.In some embodiments, the straight tracks 1124 can be longer than thetravel range S such that the first guide assemblies 1132 do not comeagainst the front rail 1415 and/or front brace 1417 when the travelrange S is set by other features of the reclinable seating 1100 asdiscussed herein. In some embodiments, the travel range S can be about 3to 35 inches, including about 4 to 30, about 4 to 20, about 5 to 15, andabout 5 to 10 inches, including the foregoing values and borderingranges.

The travel range C of the second guide assemblies 1132 can be limited bythe middle brace 1419 and/or middle rail 1421. The second guideassemblies 1132 can come against or abut the middle brace 1419 and/ormiddle rail 1421 as the reclinable seating 1100 is adjusted between thereclining position and the upright position, respectively. In someembodiments, the length of the arced tracks 1124 along the travel rangeC can be longer than the travel range C such that the second guideassemblies 1133 do not come against the middle brace 1415, hanger 1129,and/or middle rail brace 1429 when the travel range C is set by otherfeatures of the reclinable seating 1100 as discussed herein. In someembodiments, the travel range C can be about 3 to 35 inches, includingabout 4 to 30, about 4 to 20, about 5 to 15, and about 5 to 10 inches,including the foregoing values and bordering ranges. As illustrated inFIG. 13, travel range S can be less than travel range C. Accordingly,the travel range of the second guide assemblies 1133 will be limited bythe travel range of first guide assemblies 1132 over the travel range Swhen, for example, the first guide assemblies 1132 abut or come againstthe front rail 1415 or front brace 1417. In some embodiments, the travelrange C can be less than travel range S and accordingly limit travelrange of the guide assemblies as discussed herein. Limited travel rangesas discussed herein can inhibit or prevent the backrest 1112 and bed1114 from folding onto each other (or the user) when the seating istransiting in the upright position. Conversely, the limited ranges asdiscussed herein can inhibit or prevent the backrest 1112 and bed 1114from separating from each other (unfolding) more than a desired angle(e.g., 180°) as discussed herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the arced tracks 1127 can be connected tohangers 1129. The travel range C can be limited by the hangers 1129when, for example, the second guide assemblies 1133 come against or abutthe hangers 1129 from the bottom relative to the ground when thereclinable seating 1100 is in the reclined positioned. As discussedherein, the second guide assemblies 1133 can pivot about the secondbracket 1148. With the second guide assemblies 1133 fully, nearly, orsubstantially enveloping the arced track 1127 as discussed herein,travel range C of the second guide assemblies 1133 is limited when thesecond guide assemblies 1133 abuts the hangers 1129 and the second guideassemblies 1133 are inhibited or prevented from coming off the arcedtrack 1127. Stated differently, the connection between the substantiallyvertical arced track 1127 (near the hangers 1129) and the hangers 1129form a discontinuous travel path that can inhibit or prevent the secondguide assembly 1133 from moving off the arced track 1127 and/or onto thehangers 1129.

Other features, such as stops, protrusions, detents, supports, rails,braces, and/or bars can be implemented with or independently from thefront rail 1415, front brace 1417, middle brace 1419, middle rail 1421,and/or hangers 1129 to limit the travel ranges of the guide assembliesand/or travel range of the seating 1100 between the upright and reclinedpositions. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, thereclinable seating 1100 can have a back rail 1414. The back rail 1414can be positioned to further limit (inhibit, prevent, etc.) travel ofthe reclinable seating 1100 in the reclined positioned, and inparticular, limit the travel of the backrest 1112. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the back rail 1414 can be positioned a distance B from thebackrest 1112 b in the fully reclined position. The distance B can be asufficient distance from the backrest 1112 b to prevent a hard stop ofthe backrest 1112 b when a user extends the seating 1100 into thereclined position. Other features of the reclinable seating 1100 asdiscussed herein can stop of the backrest 1112 in the reclined positionwhile the distance B provides a soft landing for the backrest 1112 b.For example, if a user continues to attempt proceed into a more reclinedposition beyond the travel ranges, the back rest 1112 b can come againstor abut the back rail 1414 to prevent further travel of the back rest1112 b, flexing the backrest 1112 b over the distance B to provide thesoft landing. Upon contact with the back rail 1414, the user can feel ahard stop of the backrest 1112 b to realize that the reclinable seating1100 cannot recline any further. This can help prevent damage of thereclinable seating 1100 if a user attempts to force the reclinableseating 1100 into a reclined positioned beyond, for example, theintended travel ranges S and C. In some embodiments, the back rail 1414can be position without the distance B when the backrest 1112 b is inthe reclined position. Without the distance B, a user can immediatelyfeel the fully reclined positioned of the reclinable seating 1100 with ahard stop, negating any further travel of the back rest 1112 b beyondthe fully reclined positioned. The distance B can be about less than 2,less than 1.5, less than 1, less than ¾, less than ½, less than ¼, lessthan ⅛, and less than 1/16 inches, including the foregoing values andbordering ranges.

Returning to FIG. 11, the side view of the reclinable seating 1100 showstwo possible positions (“a” and “b”) as discussed above of thereclinable seating 1100. As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the firstguide assemblies 1132 can be connected to bed 1114 via a first bracket1146. The first bracket 1146 can be connected directly to the bed 1114via, for example, a bed rail as discussed herein, and in particular, asdiscussed in reference to FIG. 18. The second guide assembly 1133 can beconnected to the bed via a second bracket 1148 as discussed herein forFIG. 16. In some embodiments, the second bracket 1149 can be connectedto the bed 1111 via a bed rail as discussed in reference to the firstbracket 1146. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, an extension 1150 canbe connected to the second bracket 1148. The extension 1150 can beconnected to the bed 1114 via, for example, a bed rail as discussedherein.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrates an embodiment of a guide assembly. Inparticular, FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of the second guideassembly 1133 on an arced track 1127. However, the discussion herein ofthe features and function of the second guide assembly 1133 can beapplied similarly to the first guide assembly 1132. The second guideassembly 1133 can include a first half slide shoe 1614 and a second halfslide shoe 1614′ engaged around the arced track 1127. The inner surfacesof the first half slide shoe 1614 and the second half slide shoe 1614′can made of a durable material having a low coefficient of friction withthe arced track 1127. The coefficient of friction should be sufficientlylow to permit the second guide assembly 1133 to easily slide on thearced track 1127 when the user changes his or her center of gravity onthe seating 1100 as discussed herein. Furthermore, the material shouldbe sufficiently durable to withstand repeated use under heavy loads.DELRIN®, a polyoxymethylene plastic originally manufactured by DuPont,which is hard, yet has a dynamic coefficient of friction against steelin the range of about 0.19 to 0.41, has been used successfully. However,a variety of durable, low-friction materials, such as compositions ofrubbers, resins and plastics (e.g., PTFE, HDPE, TEFLON®), ceramics(e.g., BN), metals (bronze, Mb), and/or graphite are also contemplatedfor use in the second guide assembly 1133.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the first half slide shoe 1614 and the secondhalf slide shoe 1614′ can fully or substantially fully enclose orenvelope the arced track 1127. To fully enclose the arced track 1127,the first half slide shoe 1614 and the second half slide shoe 1614′ cancontact each other at two areas of contact (e.g., top and bottomportions) to form a closed shape (e.g., circle, oval, square, and/or thelike) through which the arced track 1127 can snugly (e.g., relativelysmall dimensional clearance between the features) fit or projectthrough. In some embodiments, fully enclosing the arced track 1127allows for more secure engagement of the second guide assembly 1133 withthe arced track 1127. Secure engagement of the arced track 1127 canfacilitate transport, use, and durability of the seating 1100. Forexample, during shipping of the seating 1100, the seating 1100 may bejostled around in the back of a delivery truck. The vibration may causea guide assembly to come off a track. By fully enclosing, for example,the arced track 1127, the second guide assembly 1135 can betterwithstand the vibrations during shipping and to arrive at a desireddestination (e.g., warehouse or retail location) still engaged with thearced track 1127.

As another example, a user may pull on the bed 1114 to, for example,move the seating 1100. The pulling may cause stresses between a guideassembly and a track that can lead to the guide assembly separating fromthe track. By fully enclosing the track, the guide assembly can helpinhibit separation from the track to retain engagement. Further, as theseating 1100 is used over an extended period over its lifetime, theguide assembly and/or track may wear such that engagement between theguide assembly and the track has greater dimensional clearance. Theenclosing guide assembly can help inhibit separation from the track byretaining full enclosure of the track even after extended wear.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the second guide assembly 1133 withsome features removed for illustration purposes. As illustrated in FIG.17, the first half slide show 1614 is not shown to illustrate theinterior features of the second half slide shoe 1614′. The second guideassembly 1133 can include a locking pin 1137. The locking pin 1137 canfit through holes or openings formed in a portion (e.g., bottom portion)of the first half slide shoe 1614 and the second half slide shoe 1614′.The locking pin 1137 can engage or mate with the first half slide shoe1614 and the second half slide shoe 1614′ using any suitable lockingand/or releasing attachment mechanism, such as, for example,interference fit mechanisms, snap fit mechanisms, notched mechanism, andso forth, which can include using male and female mating parts. Thelocking pin 1137 can be engaged during, for example, shipping to helpprevent disengagement of the guide assembly and track as discussedherein. Upon arrival at a desired destination, the locking pin 1137 canbe disengaged and/or removed for desired functionality of the guideassembly and track as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the lockingpin 1137 is retained in the second guide assembly 1133 during use of theseating 1100 for desired functionality of the guide assembly and trackas discussed herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the second guide assembly 1133 can beconnected to a bracket 1148. The connection between the second guideassembly 1133 and the bracket 1148 can include a bolt 1115 and a nut1117 (FIG. 17). The bolt 1115 can be inserted through correspondingopenings in the bracket 1148 and second guide assembly 1133 (e.g., thefirst half slide shoe 1614 and/or the second half slide shoe 1614′). Theopenings can line up such that insertion of the bolt 1115 secures thepositions of the closed guide assembly 1135 and the bracket 1148relative to each other and allows for adjustment of the tension in thebolt 1115. The bolt 1115 can be secured via the nut 1117. Depending onthe torque applied to the bolt 1115 and nut 1117 when tightening, adesired level of friction between the second guide assembly 1133, thebracket 1148, and/or arced track 1127 can be achieved. For example, byincreasing the tension applied to the bolt 1115, the bracket 1148partially enclosing or enveloping the second guide assembly 1133 cancome together against the second guide assembly 1133. Concomitantly, asthe first half slide shoe 1614 and the second half slide shoe 1614′ areforced closer together by the bracket 1148, the first half slide shoe1614 and the second half slide shoe 1614′ move against the arced track1127 to increase sliding friction (dynamic friction) therebetween.

The desired level of friction can affect the ease with which the closedguide assembly 1133 pivots about the bolt 1115 relative to the bracket1148 as discussed herein. The desired level of friction can affect theease with which the closed guide assembly 1133 slides or moves along thearced track 1127 as discussed herein. Adjustment of the friction betweenthe closed guide assembly 1135, the bracket 1148, and/or arced track1127 can help achieve or attain a desired/predetermined level of overallfriction (rotating and sliding) such that a user sitting relativelystill in an equilibrium position does not cause the closed guideassembly 1135 to slide along the arced track 1127. Yet, the desiredlevel of friction will preferably keep the coefficient sufficiently low,such that when the user shifts his or her center of gravity, the shoes1614, 1614′ will slide along the arced track 1127 and rotate relative tothe bracket 1148 in response to the shift.

The friction created by the bolt 1115 and nut 1117 between the closedguide assembly 1135, the bracket 1148, and/or arced track 1127 asdiscussed herein can be adjusted at the factory for an average userweight to achieve desired functionality. At the point of sale or finaldestination, the tension can be tuned based on the user's actual weight(tension increased for a heavier user and decreased for a lighter user).Further, the tension can be adjusted to according to the type of seatingsurface construction. For example, cushioned seating surfaces may beheavier (weigh more) than mesh/sling seating surfaces. Heavier seatingsurfaces and/or heavier users may require relatively higher tensions forthe seating to stay in a desired position as discussed herein. Lighterseating surfaces and/or heavier users may require relatively lowertensions for the seating to stay in a desired position as discussedherein. Accordingly, the tension may be adjusted based on a combinationof the weight of the seating surfaces and the (anticipated) weight ofthe user. In some embodiments, the tension can be adjusted with a wrenchcorresponding to the size of the bolt 1115 and nut 1117. In someembodiments, the resulting dynamic coefficient of friction between inthe guide assemblies and tracks range of about 0.19 to 0.41, includingabout 0.25 to 0.35, including the foregoing values and bordering ranges.

As the second guide assembly 1133 slides along the arced track 1127 inresponse to changes in the user's center of gravity, the backrest 1112and bed 1114 will move accordingly to accommodate the user's position.Thus, once the tension of the bolt 1115 and nut 1117 is adjusted toachieve the desired amount of friction based on the user's specific bodyweight, the seating 1100 will adjust itself to various positions simplyby the user shifting his or her weight. As tension is unlikely to needconstant adjustment, the embodiment of the guide assembly discussedherein provides a minimalist design with less moving parts that can costless to manufacture and is easier to use and aesthetically pleasing. Thematerials and configuration of the second guide assembly 1133 can beselected to provide a coefficient of friction as discussed herein thatis sufficiently high to permit the second guide assembly 133 to hold itsposition when the user stops changing his or her center of gravity for amajority of users, for example, assuming a normal distribution around anaverage user weight of about 180 lbs. (81.6 kg). This configurationwould advantageously allow the seating 1100 to hold an equilibriumposition until application of force, as described above, for most users.Materials such as DELRIN® have been found to achieve the desiredfunction as discussed herein, without needing, for example, a frictionalcontrol 616 (FIG. 6) as discussed herein. Again, the discussion hereinpertaining to the features and functionality of the second guideassembly 1133 can be similarly implemented and utilized with the firstguide assembly 1132.

Referring again to FIG. 11, the first guide assembly 1132 a issubstantially vertically aligned along a central axis of the bracket1146 a extending through the first guide assembly 1132 a when theseating 1100 is in the upright position. The first guide assembly 1132 bpivots relative to the bracket 1146 b as the first guide assembly moves1146 b along travel range S on the straight track 1124 when the seating1100 is reclined. Similarly, the second guide assembly 1133 a issubstantially vertically aligned along a central axis of the bracket1148 a extending through the second guide assembly 1133 a when theseating 1100 is in the upright position. The second guide assembly 1133b pivots relative to the bracket 1148 b as the second guide assembly1148 moves along travel range C on the arced track 1127 when the seating1100 is reclined. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the second guide assembly1133 b in the reclined position can pivot to be horizontal or nearlyhorizontal relative to the position of the of the second guide assembly1133 a in the upright position of bed 1114.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the arced track 1127 provides forward(horizontal) movement for the second guide assembly 1133 b toward thefoot of the bed 1114 (or toward the first guide assembly 1132).Simultaneously, the arced track 1127 provides vertical movement for thesecond guide assembly 1133 b relative to the resting surface. In someembodiments, the arced track 1127 can have a radius of curvature ofabout 1 to 100 inches, including about 2 to 90, about 3 to 80, about 4to 70, about 5 to 60, about 5 to 50, about 5 to 40, about 5 to 30, about5 to 20, about 2 to 10, about 3 to 10, about 4 to 10, about 5 to 10inches, and about 6 to 10 inches, including the foregoing values andbordering ranges. As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 10, the arcedtrack 1127 can have a radius of curvature that changes throughout thelength of the arced track 1127. For example, the radius of curvature candecrease moving up the arced track 1127 (from the rear portion to thefront portion of the track) to provide more horizontal support for thesecond guide assembly 1148 a in the upright position (rear portion)while more fully suspending the second guide assembly 1148 b in thereclined position (front portion) as discussed herein. The arced track1127 may provide relatively less, insignificant, or negligible weightsupport when the second guide assembly 1148 b is suspended (on thesubstantially or relatively vertical portion of the arced track 1127) asdiscussed herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10-13, the arced track 1127, hanger 1129, middlebrace 1419, and/or middle rail 1421 can be sized and positioned (e.g.,connected to the frame 1118) to be underneath the bed 1114 relative tothe ground when the seating 1100 is on the ground. The arced track 1127and rails 1129, 1419, and/or 1421 can be sized and positioned to bewithin an outer boundary or perimeter of the bed 1114 when, for example,the seating 1100 is in the first position. For example, the outerperimeter can be formed or defined by outer members or tubes forming theframe or support structure of the bed 1114. The arced track 1127 andrails 1129, 1419, and/or 1421 can be sized and shaped (e.g., curved)such that the arced track 1127 can be positioned underneath the bed 1114while achieving a desired height of the seating 1100. Stateddifferently, the arced track 1127 is sized and positioned to guide,push, or move the second guide assembly 1133 along the arced track 1127as discussed herein while providing the seating 1100 and/or the bed 1114a desired or predetermined height or range of height, such as, forexample, a height for a standard chaise used for lounging. The brackets1148 and/or extension can be correspondingly sized and positioned (e.g.,vertical height) to support the bed 1114 at a desired height andrelative to the frame 1118 while allowing for movement of the seating1100 as discussed herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10-13, the straight track 1124, front rail 1415,and/or front brace 1417 can be sized and positioned (e.g., connected tothe frame 1118) to be underneath the bed 1114 relative to the groundwhen the seating 1100 is on the ground. The straight track 1124 frontrail 1415, and/or front brace 1417 can be sized and positioned to bewithin an outer boundary or perimeter of the bed 1114. The straighttrack 1124 front rail 1415, and/or front brace 1417 can be sized andshaped (e.g., straight) such that the straight track 1124 can bepositioned underneath the bed 1114 while achieving a desired height ofthe seating 1100. Stated differently, the straight track 1124 is sizedand positioned to guide, push, or move the first guide assembly 1132along the straight track 1124 as discussed herein while providing theseating 1100 and/or the bed 1114 a desired or predetermined height orrange of height, such as, for example, a height for a standard orconventional chaise used for lounging.

Accordingly, with the tracks 1124, 1127 underneath the bed 1114, thetracks 1124, 1127, guide assemblies 1132, 1133, and other associatedcomponents of the seating 1100 can be positioned away and out of sightfrom a user. Further, such positioning allows for a compact structure ofthe seating 1100 at a desired height as discussed herein as well as adimensionally compact frame 1118. For example, dimensions of the frame1118 can be minimized to substantially correspond to the dimensions(e.g., width) of the bed 1114 with the tracks 1124, 1127 and guideassemblies 1132, 1133 not positioned at the sides of the frame 1118 oroutside the perimeter of the bed 1114. Stated differently, dimensions ofthe frame 1118 do not have to be enlarged or expanded (e.g.,horizontally relative to the ground) to accommodate tracks 1124, 1127and guide assemblies 1132, 1132 because of their positions underneaththe bed 1114, while simultaneously providing the desired movement of theseating 1100 (e.g., bed 1114) as discussed herein.

The tracks 1124, 1127 can be shaped to guide, push, or move the guideassemblies 1132, 1133 with a simultaneous horizontal and verticalmovement. For example, when the seating 1100 is moved from the uprightposition to the reclined position, the bed 1114 can laterally moveforward (e.g., horizontally) while various portions of the bed 1114 canrise/ascend vertically relative to the ground. The track 1127 can directthe guide assembly 1133 upwardly away from the ground and simultaneouslyforward toward the front portion of the frame 1118 while the seating1100 is moved into the reclined position. Stated differently, the track1127 can push the bed 1114 (e.g., a portion of the bed 1114 proximate tothe pivot connection 1116) away from or upwardly relative to the groundwhile the seating 1100 is moved into the reclined position. The track1127 pushes the bed 1114 upwardly via the track 1127 imparting a desireddirection or path of motion on the guide assembly 1133 as discussedherein.

Accordingly, the tracks 1124, 1127 can be shaped such that as the guideassemblies 1132, 1133 are moved, guided, directed, or pushed along thetracks 1124, 1127 when the seating 1100 is moved into the reclinedposition, the rear portion of the bed 1114 rises/ascends (e.g., movesupward) a greater vertical height/distance than the front portion of thebed 1114 over a same horizontal distance or later movement. Conversely,the tracks 1124, 1127 can be shaped such that as the guide assemblies1132, 1133 are moved, guided, directed, or pushed along the tracks 1124,1127 when the seating 1100 is moved into the upright position, the rearportion of the bed 1114 falls/descends a greater verticalheight/distance than the front portion of the bed 1114 over a samehorizontal distance or later movement. Such an arrangement of the tracks1124, 1127 can assist the user in more easily and fluidly to move theseating 1100 into the reclined position (e.g., the user moving into agenerally prone position) as discussed herein, where for example, thebed 1114 rises while the backrest 1112 tilts relative to the ground andpivots relative to the bed 1114. Further, such an arrangement of thetracks 1124, 1127 can assist the user in more easily and fluidly to movethe seating 1100 into the upright position while in a prone position,where for example, the guide assembly 1133 is substantially verticallysuspended (e.g., the track 1127 substantially does not vertically pushagainst the guide assembly 1133 in the reclined position) to allow auser to impart motion on the bed 1114 and backrest 1112 by pushing onthe bed 1114 with body weight (e.g., shifting center of gravity asdiscussed herein) such that the vertically suspended guide assembly 1133moves downward as the seating 1100 moves into the upright position.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 12, the arced track 1127 can generallyhave a curvature and/or shape that is concave from a perspective of orrelative to the pivot connection 1116, second rear member 1412 and/orany other feature of the seating proximate to the pivot connection 1116or second rear member 1412, such as the bed 1114. The concave curvatureand/or shape of the arced track 1127 can provide a simultaneoushorizontal and vertical movement or travel of the second guide assembly1133 along a constant and/or varying radius of curvature as discussedherein. Stated differently, the arced track 1127 can generally have acurvature and/or shape that is convex from a perspective of or relativeto a resting surface for the seating 1100. The convex curvature and/orshape of the arced track 1127 can provide a simultaneous horizontal andvertical movement of the second guide assembly 1133 along a constantand/or varying radius of curvature as discussed herein.

The concave/convex shape of arced track 1127 can vary in length and/orradius of curvature such that an upper portion of the arced track 1127(proximal to or near a hanger 1129 (FIG. 12)) is substantially vertical(e.g., perpendicular) relative to the resting surface. At the upperportion of the arced track 1127, the second guide assembly 1133 can besubstantially vertically suspended (e.g., providing relatively minimalweight support of a user) when the seating 1100 is in the reclinedposition. In some embodiments, the concave/convex shape of arced track1127 can vary in length and/or radius of curvature such that the upperportion of the arced track 1127 can be partially vertical (with ahorizontal component) relative to the resting surface (e.g., angled lessthan 90 degrees relative to the resting surface or not perpendicularrelative to the resting surface to provide at least some weight supportof the user) when the seating 1100 is in the reclined position.

The concave/convex shape of arced track 1127 can vary in length and/orradius of curvature such that a horizontal portion of the arced track1127 (proximal to or near the middle member 1121) is substantiallyhorizontal relative to the resting surface. At the horizontal portion ofthe arced track 1127, the second guide assembly 1133 can besubstantially vertically supported (e.g., providing weight support ofthe user) when the seating 1100 is in the upright position. In someembodiments, the concave/convex shape of arced track 1127 can vary inlength and/or radius of curvature such that the horizontal portion ofthe arced track 1127 is partially horizontal (with a vertical component)relative to the resting surface (e.g., angled greater than zero degreesrelative to the resting surface or not fully horizontal relative to theresting surface to provide some weight support of the user) when theseating 1100 is in the upright position.

The concave/convex shape of arced track 1127 can provide a path alongthe arced track 1127 for the second guide assembly 1133 that has anincreasing vertical rise over a predetermined or same horizontaldistance of travel relative the resting surface when the seating 1100 isbeing reclined. Stated differently, as the seating 1100 is moved from afully upright position to the reclined position, the second guideassembly 1133 will first move or travel along a path that is mostlyhorizontal (relative to the resting surface) over a predetermineddistance or length along the path. As the seating 1100 is moved closerto the reclined positioned, the second guide assembly 1133 will move ortravel along a path that is mostly vertical (relative to the restingsurface) over the same predetermined distance or length along the path.The increasingly vertical movement of the second guide assembly 1133from the upright position to the reclined position of the seating 1100also occurs when viewed form a perspective of a predetermined horizontaldistance relative to the resting surface. The arced track 1127 willprovide varying vertical support (e.g., weight support of a user) to thesecond guide assembly 1133 that decreases from the upright position tothe reclined position as the second guide assembly 1133 moves from thesubstantially horizontal portion to the substantially vertical portionof the arced track 1127 to provide smooth and continuous adjustment ofthe positions of the seating 1100 as discussed herein.

Conversely, as the seating 1100 is moved from a fully reclined positionto the upright position, the second guide assembly 1133 will first moveor travel along a path that is mostly vertical (relative to the restingsurface) over a predetermined distance or length along the path. As theseating 1100 is moved closer to the upright position, the second guideassembly 1133 will move or travel along a path that is mostly horizontal(relative to the resting surface) over the same predetermined distanceor length along the path. The increasingly horizontal movement of thesecond guide assembly 1133 from the reclined position to the uprightposition of the seating 1100 also occurs when viewed form a perspectiveof a predetermined horizontal distance relative to the resting surface.The arced track 1127 will provide varying vertical support (e.g., weightsupport of a user) to the second guide assembly 1133 that increases fromthe reclined position to the upright position as the second guideassembly 1133 moves from the substantially vertical portion to thesubstantially horizontal portion of the arced track 1127 to providesmooth and continuous adjustment of the positions of the seating 1100 asdiscussed herein.

In some embodiments, the arced track 1127 can have straight portions(e.g., hangers 1129) or be wholly straight such as the straight track1124. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the arced track1127 can have a substantially horizontal or straight portion near therear portion of the bed 1114. The second guide assembly 1133 a engagesthe substantially straight portion when the seating 1100 is in theupright position as discussed herein. The substantially straight portioncan be level to provide vertical weight support while a user sits in theseating 1100 in the upright position. The second guide assembly 1127 canabut the middle rail 1421 as discussed herein to prevent furthermovement of the second guide assembly 1127 along or off the track 1127,therefore facilitating vertical support for supporting the weight of theuser.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the first guide assembly 1133 movessubstantially in a flat plane along the straight track 1124. The firstguide assembly 1133 also has vertical movement determined by the degreeof tilt of the straight track 1124 relative to the ground. The straighttrack 1124 is angled relative to the ground to provide smoother travelpath for the bed 1114 between the upright and reclined positions asdiscussed herein. For example, a user shifting body weight move from thereclined position to the upright position focuses more of the bodyweight toward the arced track 1127 (rear of the bed 1114). The downwardangle from the foot of the bed 1114 creates a downward slope,facilitating movement of the first guide assembly downwards (withgravity) along the straight track 1124 as the user shifts body weighttoward the rear of the bed 1114.

In some embodiments, the straight track 1124 can be inclined relative tothe ground (from the rear portion to the front portion) at an angle ofabout 1° to 30° (including about 9° to 20° and about 12° to 15°,including the aforementioned values and bordering ranges). In someembodiments, the straight track 1124 can include curved portions asdiscussed herein in reference to the arced track 1127. In someembodiments, the straight track 1127 can be substantially arcuate suchas the arced track 1127 as discussed herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the pivot connection 1116 between thebackrest 1112 and bed 1114 is located closer to the second guideassembly 1133 than the first guide assembly 1132. The further a point onthe bed 1114 is away from the pivot 1116, the less that point on the bed1114 vertically travels. Stated differently, the vertical travel of apoint on the bed 1114 is generally inversely proportional to thedistance from the pivot 1116. Thus, as the backrest 1112 and the bed1114 pivot relative to each other about the pivot connection 1116, thesecond guide assembly 1133 has more vertical travel than the first guideassembly 1132. For example, the second guide assembly 1133 canvertically travel about 7 to 15 inches, including about 8 to 12 andabout 9 to 10 inches, including the foregoing values and borderingranges, between the upright and reclined positions, while the firstguide assembly 1132 can vertically travel about 2 to 6 inches, includingabout 3 to 5 and about 4 to 5 inches, including the foregoing values andranges bordering, between the upright and reclined positions.

The relatively more vertical of the second guide assembly 1133 relativeto the vertical movement of the first guide assembly 1133 results fromthe backrest 1114 pivoting about the pivot member 1412. The backrest1114 acts like seesaw like about pivot member 1412, causing the pivotconnection 1116 to move in a teeter like fashion relative to the pivotmember 1412. The further the point along the bed 1114 is away from thepivot connection 1116, the less of the effect of the moving (teetering)pivot connection 1116. The relative vertical and horizontal movements ofthe bed 1114 discussed herein facilitates the movement of the backrest1112 and bed 1114 into a relatively flat position as a person reclinesin the seating 1100.

The arced track 1127 can have any combination of arcuate, circular,oval, elliptical, and/or any other suitable shape for creating a path oftravel to accommodate the vertical movement of the bed 1114 discussedherein. The path of travel can be continuous. The path of travel cangradually and smoothly transition between the various shapes. Thearcuate, curved, circular, oval, and/or elliptical shape of the arcedtrack 1127 provides for the necessary horizontal movement of secondguide assembly 1133 that matches the horizontal movement of the firstguide assembly 1132 while simultaneously providing for the relativelylarger vertical movement of the second guide assembly 1133 (compared tothe vertical travel of the first guide assembly 1132) because the secondguide assembly 1133 is closer to the pivot connection 1116. Therelatively larger vertical movement of the second guide assembly 1133facilitates the backrest 1112 and bed 1114 reclining into asubstantially flat position.

An example method for increasing the vertical distance between the rearportion of the bed 1114 and the ground as the backrest 1112 reclines isexplained below. As shown in FIG. 11, at least a portion of the track1127 is curved upwards, with the higher portion of the curve/arc towardthe front member 1120 and the lower portion of the slope toward themiddle member 1121. The guide assembly 1133 is engaged with the track1127 within this arcuate portion of the track 1127. When the backrest1112 a is in the upright position, the guide assembly 1133 a is engagedwith the track 1127 near the bottommost portion of the curve. As thebackrest 1112 b reclines, the guide assembly 1133 b slides up the curveof the track 1127. When the backrest 1112 b is fully reclined, the guideassembly 1133 b is engaged with the track 1127 near the topmost portionof the curve. Such a configuration increases the vertical distancebetween the rear of the bed 1114 b and the ground as the backrest 1112 breclines, permitting the bed 1114 b to reverse angle of inclinationrelative to the ground as discussed herein. As discussed above, the bed1114 a generally has about a 1° to 30° upwards angle relative to theground as measured from the pivot connection 1116 a. As the bed 1114 bmoves into the reclined position and the rear portion vertically risesas discussed herein, the inclination relative to the ground can to havea downward angle of about 1° to 30° (including about 9° to 20° and about12° to 15°, including the aforementioned values and bordering ranges) asmeasured form the pivot connection 1116 b. Stated differently, the bed1114 a moves from being inclined upwards in the upright position to thebed 1114 b being declined downwards in the reclined position relative topivot 1116. This configuration advantageously improves a user's comfortthroughout the range of movement of the seating 1100. Further, thisconfiguration and switch of inclination accommodates the pivoting thebackrest 1112 about pivot member 1412 and allowing bed 1114 to risealong with rising pivot 1116 to form a substantially flat configuration(180° open) between the backrest 1112 and the bed 1114.

In some embodiments, the position of the pivot member 1412 on the frame1118 may be vertically lowered. Lowering the position of the pivotmember 1412 can allow for a more level configuration of the backrest1112 b and bed 1114 b in the reclined position. For example, the pivotmember 1412 may be lowered such that as the rear portion of the bed 1114b vertically rises with the pivot 1116 b, the bed 1114 b does not switchinclination (or slope) relative to the ground, but rather decreases inangle to become substantially level with the ground in the fullyreclined position.

Alternatively, to achieve a leveled configuration of the backrest 1112 band bed 1114 b in the reclined position, the bed 1114 b may be furtherelevated above the frame 1118 as discussed herein, and in particular inreference to FIG. 18 below. For example, the extension 1150 connectingthe bed 1114 and the second bracket 1148 can be made longer; anothersupport rail may be added between the bed 1114 and the first bracket1146; the arced tack 1127 can be extended to allow the second guideassembly 1133 b to vertically rise further in the reclined position; thestraight track 1124 can be further inclined upwards to furthervertically rise the first guide assembly 1132 b in the reclinedposition; and/or the straight track 1124 and/or the arced track 1127 canbe positioned vertically further up on the frame 1118.

FIG. 18 is a back view of an embodiment of the backrest 1112 and the bed1114 of the seating 1100. The backrest 1112 can have a backrest rail1154 connected to a frame of the backrest 1112. The backrest rail 1154can buttress and support the frame of the backrest 1112. The backrestrail 1154 can support upholstery or supportive straps as discussedherein. The bed 1114 can have a bed rail 1156 connected to a frame ofthe bed 1114. The bed rail 1156 can support upholstery or supportivestraps. The bed rail 1156 can connect to the extension 1150, to whichthe brackets 1148 are connected, to which the second guide assemblies1133 are connected as discussed herein. The bed 1114 can have more thanbed rail 1156. A second bed rail 1156 can be connected to the bed 1114near the location of the first guide assemblies 1132 along the bed 1114.Brackets 1146 can be directly connected to the second bed rail 1156 towhich the first guide assemblies 1132 are connected.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the backrest rail 1154 and the bed rail 1156can be shaped to have a u-shape configuration. The u-shape configurationis provided by bends or kicks in the backrest rail 1154 and the bed rail1156. The u-shaped backrest rail 1154 and bed rail 1156 elevate theframes of the backrest 1112 and bed 1114 relative to, for example, theguide assemblies 1132, 1133, the tracks 1124, 1127, and/or frame 1118 ofthe seating 1100. Elevation of the backrest 1112 and/or bed 1114 can beadvantageous to, for example, help prevent snagging of upholstery orsupportive straps as the backrest 1112 and bed 1114 slide on the tracksrelative to the frame 1118 as discussed herein. In some embodiments, thebackrest rail 1154 or the bed rail 1156 can be a straight member where,for example, elevation the backrest 1112 and the bed 1114 is notdesired.

Example Embodiment of a Chair with an Ottoman

Another example embodiment of reclinable or adjustable seating 2100 andpossible accessories, such as an ottoman 3100, are shown in FIGS. 19-28.In this example, the seating 2100 can be a chair as discussed, forexample, in reference to FIGS. 1-7. The seating 2100 can also be usedwith an ottoman 2100. The seating 2100, with or without the ottoman2100, can be integrated into a variety of formal and casual, indoor andoutdoor seating options, such stationary or swivel rockers or chairs,lounge chairs, action loungers or swivel action loungers, chaiseloungers, settees, love seats, couches, and the like.

FIG. 19 illustrates a side, top, perspective view of an embodiment of areclinable seating 2100 with an ottoman 2100. The seating 2100 can havea frame 2118 disposed about a seat 2114 and a backrest 2112 as discussedherein, and in particular, as discussed in reference to FIGS. 1-5. Theframe 2118 can have a front member 2120 and a rear member 2122 asdiscussed herein, and in particular, as discussed in reference to FIGS.1-5. The backrest 2112 can be pivotally connected to the frame 2118 viaa horizontal rear member or pivot member 2412 as discussed herein. Thepivot member 2412 is configured to provide support for the backrest 2112and to provide a pivot connection to the frame 2118 that allows thebackrest 2112 to move in relation to the seat 2114 and/or frame 2118.The second rear member 2412 can include a hinge, pin, rod, ball andsocket, or other suitable pivot connection and/or member adjoined to orpassing through the backrest 2112 as discussed herein, and inparticular, in reference to FIG. 15. In some embodiments, a back rail2414 of the frame 2118 can act as a stop to inhibit further pivoting(e.g., beyond a desired reclined position) of the backrest 2112 aboutthe pivot connection or second rear member 2412. In some embodiments,the backrest 2112 can pivot about other parts of the frame 2118, suchas, for example, the back rail 2414. As illustrated in FIG. 19, thebackrest 2112 and/or seat 2114 has a fabric and/or mesh sling suspendedbetween support members of the backrest 2112 and/or seat 2114. In someembodiments, the backrest 2112 and/or seat 2114 can have cushioning,woven straps, and/or solid case materials as discussed herein.

With continued reference to FIG. 19, the seating 2100 can have a seat2114 pivotally connected to the backrest 2112 via the pivot connection2116 such as, for example, a hinge, pin, rod, or other suitable pivotconnection, as discussed herein, and in particular, in reference toFIGS. 14A-C. The pivot connection 2116 allows the backrest 2112 and seat2114 to move relative to each other guided by other pivots, guides, andtracks as discussed herein. The pivot connection 2116 enables the seat2114 to move with the backrest 2112 to provide a fluid and synchronized(backrest 1112 and seat 2114 moving together) transition between theupright and reclined position as discussed herein.

The ottoman 3100 can have a rest (e.g., a foot rest or support surface)3114 that is used by the user as, for example, a foot rest when in theseating 2100. The ottoman 3100 can have a frame 3118 disposed about therest 3114. The frame 3118 can have a front member 3120 and a rear member3122 as discussed herein. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the rest 3114 has afabric and/or mesh sling suspended between support members of the rest3114. In some embodiments, the rest 3114 can have cushioning, wovenstraps, and/or solid case materials as discussed herein.

FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a seating 2100 andan ottoman 3100 in a reclined position. FIG. 21 illustrates a side viewof an embodiment of a seating 2100 in an upright position. FIG. 22illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an ottoman 3100 in a firstresting position.

As illustrated in FIGS. 20-22, the seating 2100 can have a guiding railor track 2124 as discussed herein, and in particular, as discussed inreference to track 124 corresponding to FIGS. 1-2 and 4-9. The ottoman3100 can have an arced track 3127 as discussed herein, and inparticular, as discussed in reference to curved track 1127 correspondingFIGS. 10-13 and 16. In some embodiments, the seating 2100 can have anarced track as discussed herein, and in particular, as discussed inreference to curved track 1127 corresponding FIGS. 10-13 and 16. In someembodiments, the ottoman 3100 can have a track or straight track asdiscussed herein, and in particular, as discussed in reference to track124 and straight track 1124 corresponding to FIGS. 1-2, 4-9, 10-13, and16. As further illustrated in FIGS. 20-22, the seating 2100 can have aguide or guide assembly 2132 as discussed herein. The ottoman 3100 canhave a first guide or first guide assembly 3132 and a second guide orsecond guide assembly 3133. The guide assemblies 2132, 3132, 3133 can bethe guide assemblies as discussed herein, and in particular, asdiscussed in references to guide assemblies 132, 1132, 1133corresponding to FIGS. 6, 7, 16, and 17. For example, the guideassemblies 2132, 3132, 3133 can be assembled from sliding shoes made ofdurable material(s) having a low coefficient of friction with the track2124 and arced track 3127. The material should be sufficiently durableto withstand repeated use under heavy loads as discussed herein and caninclude materials discussed herein. The guide assemblies 2132, 3132,3133 can have frictional control, such as frictional control 616discussed in reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The guide assemblies 2132,3132, 3133 can have other tightening and friction control mechanisms,such as a nut and bolt assembly 1115, 1117 discussed in reference toFIGS. 16 and 17.

With continued reference to FIGS. 20-22, the guide assembly 2132 isconnected to the seat 2114 with a bracket 2148 and an extension 2150(see also FIG. 25) as discussed herein, and in particular, as discussedin reference to extensions 1250 and brackets 1148 corresponding to FIG.18. The extension 2150 can elevate or space the seat 2114 from the guideassembly 2132 and/or frame 2118 to provide sliding clearance between theseat 2114 and other components of the seating 2100. The slidingclearance can provide clearance to accommodate, for example, upholstery,cushions, and other features attached to seat 2114 and/or frame 2118 andallow for movement of the seat 2114 as discussed herein. The guideassembly 2132 can be connected to the bracket 2148 via a nut and boltassembly 1115, 1117 or other suitable attachment mechanisms as discussedherein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 20-22, 27 and 28, the ottoman 3100 can have afirst guide assembly 3132 and a second guide assembly 3133 connected toa rest 3114 with brackets 3148 and extensions 3150 as discussed herein,and in particular, as discussed in reference to extensions 1250 andbrackets 1148 corresponding to FIG. 18. The extensions 3150 can elevateor space the rest 3114 from the guide assemblies 3132, 3133 and/or frame2118 to provide sliding clearance between the rest 3114 and othercomponents of the ottoman 3100. The sliding clearance can provideclearance to accommodate, for example, upholstery, cushions, and otherfeatures attached to rest 3114 and/or frame 3118 and allow for movementof the rest 3114 as discussed herein. The guide assemblies 3132, 3133can be connected to the brackets 3148 via nut and bolt assemblies 1115,1117 or other suitable attachment mechanisms as discussed herein.

FIGS. 19-21 illustrate an embodiment of the seating 2100 that isconnected to a base 2102 that is in contact with the ground or restingsurface. The base 2102 can be round about which the seating 2100 canpivot. For example, a user in the seating 2100 can rotate the backrest2112 and seat 2114 to face a desired direction without lifting theseating 2100 from the ground or resting surface. Accordingly, the frame2118 can be elevated above the resting surface by a pivotal connectionto the base 2102. In particular, the front member 2120 and rear member2122 may be not in contact with the ground, but still provide thedesired support of the components of the seating 2100 as discussedherein.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of the seating 2100 with a spring 2108connected to a round base 2102. The spring 2108 can provide theconnection between the frame 2118 and the base 2102. For example, thespring 2108 may elevate the frame 2118 above the base 2102 and providean indirect connection between the frame 2118 and the base 2102. Thespring 2108 can provide a dampening/cushioning effect when the user getsinto the seating 2100. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the spring 2108 can bea spring leaf. In some embodiments, the spring 2108 can be a coil springsuspended between the frame 2118 and the frame 2108. In someembodiments, the spring 2108 may encase a support member that canfurther provide a dampening/cushioning effect.

As discussed herein, the seating 2100 can respond to changes in theuser's center of gravity by the seat 2114 and backrest 2112 moving toaccommodate the user's position. FIG. 20 illustrates the seating 2100 ina fully reclined position. FIG. 21 illustrates the seating 2100 in afully upright position. The reclined position can include the backrest2112 reclining or tilting (FIG. 20) to be less vertical relative to anupright position (FIG. 21). As the seating 2100 moves from the uprightposition to the reclined position, a rear portion or end of the seat2114 can begin to lift upward because the rear portion of the seat 2114is pivotally connected to the backrest 2112, which isrotatably/pivotally connected to the frame 2118. In some embodiments,substantially a same inclination or slope of the seat 2114 relative tothe ground can be maintained between the upright and reclined positions.For example, an angle or inclination relative to the ground of theseating 2114 in the fully reclined position may be in the range of 1° to25° degrees from the rear of the seat 2114 or pivot connection 2116.Accordingly, the vertical distance between the front portion or end ofthe seat 2114 and the ground can increase as the backrest 2112 reclines.Comfort and convenience for the user can be enhanced by configuring theseating 2100 such that, in use, the front portion of the seat 2114 willrise with the rear portion. The plane or angle of the seat 2114, withrespect to its front, may decrease with respect to the floor or groundas the seating is reclined, or the plane or angle may remain relativelyconstant.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, angle of the seat 2114 in the uprightposition may be in the range of 1° to 25° degrees from the rear of theseat 2114 or pivot connection 2116. FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment ofthe seating 2100 where the angle of the seat 2114 in the reclinedposition decreases from the upright position relative to the ground. Forexample, the seat 2114 may be substantially level or flat (e.g., 0°degrees) relative with the ground. In some embodiments, the angle 2214of the seat 2114 in the reclined position may decrease to be negativerelative to the ground from the rear of the seat 2114 or pivotconnection 2116. For example, the angle of the seat 2114 in the reclinedposition may be −1° to −22° degrees relative to the ground from the rearof the seat 2114 or pivot connection 2116. In some embodiments, the seat2114 may be substantially flat or level with the ground in the uprightposition with the angle of the seat 2114 decreasing as the seating 2100is moved into the reclined position. Such an arrangement of the seating2100 to have an angle of the seat 2114 that moves into a flat/level ornegative angle in the reclined position can help accommodate the use ofan ottoman 3100 as discussed herein. For example, as the user reclinesthe seating 2100, the rest 3114 of the ottoman 3100 may generally be ata vertical height that is less than the vertical height of the seat 2114(e.g., front portion of the seat 2114). In order to accommodate theflatter position (e.g., nearly or substantially prone position) of theuser, the angle of the seat 2114 as discussed herein may decrease tohelp a user comfortably attain or maintain contact with the verticallylower ottoman while having, for example, substantially or nearlystraight legs.

For the user's safety and/or comfort, it can be desirable to limit theseating 2100 movement. As explained above, the rear portion of the seat2114 lifts as the backrest 2112 reclines. This motion causes the frontportion of the seat 2114 to move laterally outward (in a direction awayfrom the backrest 2112). It can be desirable to limit this forwardlateral travel to between about 3 in. (7.62 cm) and 8 in. (20.32 cm),for example, to about 4¾ in. (12.07 cm) of forward lateral travel fordining-type seating or about 6.375 in. (16.19 cm) of forward lateraltravel for deep-type seating. As another example, it can also bedesirable to limit the backward lateral travel of the seat 2114 (traveltoward the direction of the backrest 2112). As the seat 2114 movesbackward, toward the backrest 2112, the backrest 2112 will move forwardtoward the seat 2114 which should be limited to, for example, inhibitthe backrest 2112 and seat 2114 closing in on each other (folding ontoeach other).

As discussed herein, the seating 2100 can respond to changes in theuser's center of gravity by the seat 2114 and backrest 2112 moving toaccommodate the user's position. As the seating 2100 is moved betweenthe upright and reclined positions, the ottoman 3100, and in particular,the rest 3114 can move to accommodate the shift in position of the userand corresponding shift in the user's position. FIGS. 20 and 22illustrate side views of an embodiment of an adjustable ottoman 3100that can be used with reclinable seating 2100. The ottoman 3100 can moveon a curved track 3127 with first and second guides 3132, 3133 engagingthe arced track 3127. FIG. 22 illustrates the rest 3114 of the ottoman3100 in a substantially level or flat angle position (e.g., a firstresting position) relative to the ground. For example, the first restingposition can include a position of the rest 3114 where a frontportion/end of the rest 3114 (e.g., proximate to the front member 3120)is substantially at a same vertical height/distance (relative to theground) as a rear portion/end of the seat 3114 (e.g., proximate to therear member 3122). Stated differently, the angle between a frontportion/end of the rest 3114 and a rear portion/end of the rest 3114 canbe substantially zero relative to the ground. The first resting positionof the seat 3114 may complement or correspond to the upright position ofthe seating 2100. The first resting position of the seat 3114 can beused to support the user's legs when the seating 2100 is in the uprightposition. In the upright position, a user may desire more direct andvertical support of his or her weight, including at the legs. In someembodiments, the first resting position of the seat 3114 can include therest 3114 being upwardly inclined or sloping from the rear of the seat3114 as discussed herein, and in particular, as discussed herein inreference to the adjustable seating (e.g., barstool) 4100.

FIG. 20 illustrates the rest 3144 of the ottoman 3100 in a downwardlyinclined or sloping position (e.g., a second resting position) where thefront portion/end of the seat 3114 is at a lower verticalheight/distance (relative to the ground) compared to the rearportion/end of the seat 3114. Stated differently, the angle of the seat3114 in the second resting position may be −1° to −25° degrees relativeto the ground from the rear of the rest 3114 or rear member 3122. Thedownwardly inclined/sloping angle of the seat 3114 may complement orcorrespond the reclined position of the seating 2100. For example, asdiscussed herein, the seat 2114 can either be flat or downwardly slopingin the reclined position. Accordingly, a user in the seating 2100approaches a more flat position of the body (e.g., prone position) inthe reclined position such that a downwardly sloping rest 3114 cancomplement downwardly stretched legs of the user extending from thedownwardly sloped seat 2114 toward the ottoman 3100. In the reclinedposition, a user may desire to have his/her legs in a substantiallystraight position. A downwardly sloped rest 3114 can provide asubstantially straight line or gradually curved line between thesurfaces of the seat 2114 and the rest 3114 to accommodate the user'sreclined position as the body of the user approaches the prone position.For example, the second resting position of the seat 3114 can beconfigured such that a straight tangent line coming off a top surface ofrest 3114 points substantially directly at or into the seat 2114 and/orfront portion of seat 2114. With such a configuration, the user can feela substantially continuous weight support for the legs from the seat2114 to the rest 3114 when in the reclined position in the seating 2100.

FIGS. 23-25 illustrate side front and back perspective views of anembodiment of the reclinable seating 2100 with various componentsremoved for discussion purposes. FIG. 23 illustrates the seating 2100with the mesh and/or fabric sling removed from the backrest 2112 andseat 2114 to illustrate, for example, the backrest rails 2154 and theseat rails 2156. The backrest rails 2154 and the seat rails 2156 can besecured to the backrest 2112 and seat 2114, respectively, with forexample, bolts 2115 and/or other suitable attachment mechanisms asdiscussed here. The backrest rails 2154 and seat rails 2156 can be arcedor curved to, for example, accommodate flexing in the sling when theseating 2100 is occupied by the user (e.g., the mesh flexes toward thebackrest rails 2154 and seat rails 2156 under the weight of the user).Further, the backrest rails 2154 and seat rails 2156 can be arced,curved, or arcuate to, for example, elevate the seat 2114 above theguiding rails 2124 and/or frame 2118 to provide sliding clearance asdiscussed herein. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the seat 2114 can havethree seat rails 2156. As also illustrated, the guide assembly 2132 canbe attached to a middle or seat mid-rail 2156. In some embodiments, theseat 2114 can have 1, 2, or 4 or more seat rails 2156 and the guideassembly 2132 can be attached to any of the seat rails 2156 to achieve adesired rise and/or inclination of the seat 2114 as discussed herein.

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate side front and back perspective views of thean embodiment of the reclinable seating 2100 with mesh and/or slingfabric, one side of the frame 2118, some of the backrest rails 2154 andseat rails 2156, and the base 2102 removed for discussion purposes. FIG.26 illustrates a side, back, bottom perspective view of an embodiment ofa guiding rail 2124 and associated tracks. With reference to FIGS.24-26, the guiding rail 2124 can be connected to a hanger rail 2129. Thehanger rail 2129 can be connected to a support rail 2104. The supportrail 2104 can be connected to a middle rail or member 2421 (e.g., across member). The middle member 2421 can extend from side to side ofthe frame 2118. Stated differently, the middle member 2421 can extendsubstantially perpendicular to the direction of the reclining movementof the seating 2100 as discussed herein. As illustrated in FIG. 25, themiddle member 2421 can be connected to a support member 2413 that runsbetween the front member 2120 and the rear member 2122 of the frame2118. The middle member 2421 can be arced to curve toward the ground(e.g., a U-shape). The arcuate shape of the middle member 2421 canelevate the frame 2118 and correspondingly, the backrest 2112 and seat2114 to a desired vertical height/distance above the ground when, forexample, the frame 2118 is connected to base 2102 as discussed herein.In some embodiments, the middle member 2421 can be substantiallystraight or flat. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the middle ember 2421 canbe at a same vertical level as support member 2413 to accommodate andprovide clearance for a spring 2108 as discussed herein.

The middle member 2421 can be connected to the support rail 2104. Insome embodiments, the support rail 2104 and/or hanger rail 2129 canextend to or connect to the frame 2118 proximate to the rear member 2122as discussed herein, and in particular, as discussed in reference toFIGS. 1-5. The support rail 2104 can extend from the middle member 2421generally upwardly, away from the ground or support surface. In someembodiments, the support rail 2104 can extend from other portions of theframe 2118 (e.g., rear member 2122 and/or support member 2413). Asillustrated in FIGS. 25-27, the support rail 2104 can extend from themiddle member 2421 generally toward the front of the seating 2100 (e.g.,generally toward the front portion of the frame 2118, such as, the frontmembers 2120). A hanger rail 2129 can extend from the support rail 2104generally downwardly, toward the ground. The hanger rail 2129 can extendfrom the support rail 2104 generally toward the front of the seating2100 (e.g., generally toward the front portion of the frame 2118, suchas, the front members 2120). A guiding rail 2124 can generally extendupwardly (e.g., along a second direction), away from the ground. Theguiding rail 2124 can extend from the hanger rail 2129 generally towardthe front of the seating 2100 (e.g., generally toward the front portionof the frame 2118, such as, the front members 2120). As illustrated inFIGS. 20, 21, and 25-27, the guiding rail 2124 can extend upwardly at aslope or angle less than the support rail 2104. In some embodiments, theguiding rail 2124 can extend upwardly at a slope or angle greater thanthe support rail 2104 depending on the desired vertical rise and/orangle in the reclined position of the seat 2114 as discussed herein. Anarm (e.g., a stay) 2106 can extend from the guiding rail 2124 generallydownwardly (e.g., along a first direction), toward the ground. The arm2106 can extend from the guiding rail 2124 generally toward the front ofthe seating 2100 (e.g., generally toward the front portion of the frame2118, such as, the front members 2120). As illustrated in FIGS. 20, 21,and 25-27, the arm 2106 can extend downwardly at a slope or anglegreater than the hanger rail 2129. In some embodiments, the arm 2106 canextend downwardly at a slope or angle less than the hanger rail 2129depending on, for example, the slope of upwardly extent of the guidingrail 2124.

As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 24-26, the arm 2106 can connect to theframe 2118 (e.g., to a front rail 2415). In some embodiments, the arm2106 can connect to the frame 2118 at other portions of the frame 2118(e.g., a front member 2120). Tracing the above connections in reverse,the arm 2106 can extend from the frame 2118 (e.g., front rail 2415)generally upwardly (e.g., along a first direction or another directionwith a similar trajectory as the first direction), away from the groundor support surface. As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 24-26, the arm 2106can extend from the frame 2118 generally toward the rear of the seating2100 (e.g., generally toward the rear portion of the frame 2118, suchas, the rear members 2122). The guiding rail 2124 can extend from thearm 2106 generally downwardly (e.g., along a second direction or anotherdirection with a similar trajectory as the second direction), toward theground. As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 24-26, the guiding rail 2124 canextend from the arm 2106 generally toward the rear of the seating 2100(e.g., generally toward the rear portion of the frame 2118, such as, therear members 2122). The hanger rail 2129 can extend from the guidingrail 2124 generally upwardly (e.g., along the first direction or anotherdirection with a similar trajectory as the first direction), away fromthe ground. As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 24-26, the hanger rail 2129can extend from the guiding rail 2124 generally toward the rear of theseating 2100 (e.g., generally toward the rear portion of the frame 2118,such as, the rear members 2122). The support rail 2104 can extend fromthe hanger rail 2129 generally downwardly (e.g., along the second oranother direction with a similar trajectory as the second direction as,for example, illustrated in FIG. 20), toward the ground. As illustratedin FIGS. 20 and 24-26, the support rail 2104 can extend from the hangerrail 2106 generally toward the rear of the seating 2100 (e.g., generallytoward the rear portion of the frame 2118, such as, the rear members2122).

As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the guide assembly 2132 can beconfigured to travel over the guiding rail 2124. As discussed herein,bends connecting other portions of the track to the guiding rail 2124can be inhibit or prevent the guide assembly 2132 from traveling off theguiding rail 2124. For example, the transition and connection betweenthe guiding rail 2124 and the hanger rail 2129 is provided by a bendforming a discontinuous path that the guide assembly 2132 cannot or isinhibited from traveling over. For example, when the guide assembly 2132envelopes or substantially envelopes the guiding rail 2124 as discussedherein (e.g., via sliding shoes), the guide assembly 2132 would have todeform for the guide assembly 2132 to travel over the bend/discontinuouspath from the guiding rail 2124 onto the hanger rail 2129. Such aconfiguration can limit the travel range of the guide assembly 2132 andaccordingly, limit the travel range of the seating 2100 between theupright and reclined positions. As illustrated in FIG. 24-26, the guideassembly 2132 is further inhibited from traveling from the guiding rail2124 to the hanger rail 2129 because of the change in slope orinclination from the guiding rail 2124 to the hanger rail 2129. With theweight of the user in the seating 2100, the guide assembly 2132 isinhibited from traveling onto and up the upwardly sloping hanger rail2129 (against gravity) from the downwardly sloping guiding rail 2124when the seating is moved into the upright position.

In some embodiments, the guiding rail 2124 can directly connect theframe 2118 (e.g., front rail 2415 or front members 2120) without an arm2106 and/or rail bracket 2109 when a longer travel range of the guideassemblies 2132 is desired (e.g., greater range between the upright andreclined positions of the seating 2100). However, providing an arm 2106and/or rail bracket 2109 that is downwardly sloping toward the groundprovides sliding clearance for the seat 2114. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 21, the guiding rails 2124 not upwardly extendingdirectly to the front members 2120 provides clearance for the frontportion of the seat 2114 to transition downwardly and toward the frontmembers 2120 as the seating 2100 is moved from the reclined position tothe upright position as discussed herein.

In some embodiments, the arm 2106 can be directly connected to theguiding rail 2124 to slope at a different angle than the guiding rail2124 such that a transition between the guiding rail 2124 and the arm2106 is provided by a bend forming a discontinuous path that the guideassembly 2132 cannot or is inhibited from traveling over. However,because the arm 2106 slopes downwardly toward the ground, the guideassembly 2132 would not be working against gravity to slide over fromthe guiding rail 2124 to the arm 2106 in embodiments where the arm 2106is directly connected to guiding rail 214 to form a straighttravel/guide path along a direction from the rear portion to the frontportion of the frame 2118. Accordingly, a rail bracket 2109 asillustrated in FIGS. 24-26 can be provided to further inhibit or preventthe guide assembly 2132 from traveling over the arm 2106.

With reference to FIGS. 24-26, a rail bracket 2109 can be formed fromtwo arms 2106 connected by a cross rail (e.g., a crossbar) 2107. Asdiscussed herein, the arms 2106 can extend from the front rail 2415generally upwardly, away from the ground. The cross rail 2107 can extendsubstantially horizontally/parallel to the ground to connect the arms2106. The guiding rail 2124 can be connected to the cross rail 2107,away from the arms 2106. Connecting the guiding rail 2124 away from thearms on the cross rail 2107 creates a discontinuous path thatsubstantially changes the travel direction from guide path on theguiding rails 2124 along a direction between the front and rear portionsof the frame 2118. Stated differently, as the guide assembly 2132travels along the guide path on the guiding rail 2124, the guideassembly 2132 comes up against a hard stop formed by the cross rail 2107connected to guiding rail 2124 in a substantially perpendicular manner.Without substantial deformation and possible breaking of the guideassembly 2132 and other connection mechanisms discussed herein (e.g.,bracket 2148 and/or extension 2150), the guide assembly 2132 isinhibited or prevented from traveling onto the arm 2106 as the guideassembly 2132 travels over the guiding rail 2124 and up against thecross rail 2107 during movement of the seating 2100 into the reclinedposition.

As illustrated in FIGS. 24-26, the seating 2100 can have two guideassemblies 2132 to guide the seat 2114 between the upright and reclinedpositions as discussed herein. Accordingly, the seating 2100 can havetwo guiding rails 2124 to support the two guide assemblies 2132. The twoguiding rails 2124 can be connected to one rail bracket 2109 asillustrated in FIG. 26 (e.g., connected to the cross rail 2107 away fromthe arms 2106). In some embodiments, the cross rail 2107 may not extendto or extend fully between the two arms 2106. For example, the guidingrail 2124 may be horizontally offset from the arm 2106 as discussedherein such that the arm 2106 forms an L-shape configuration with theguiding rail 2124 connected to an end of one of the arms of the L-shape.The guiding rail 2124 can be offset from the arm 2106 in any desireddirection, such as vertically (in combination with or without horizontaloffset) to, for example, elevate the connecting end of the guiding rail2124 to a desired vertical height (e.g., providing a great vertical riseof the seat 2114 as discussed herein). In some embodiments, each guidingrail 2124 can be connected to an individual rail bracket 2109. Forexample, the seating 2100 may have two brackets 2109 (with four arms2106 and two cross rails 2107 connecting pairs of arms) with eachbracket connected to an individual guiding rail 2124 to achieve theupright and reclined positions of the seating 2100 as discussed herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 23-25, the support rail 2104, arms 2106,cross rail 2107, guiding rail 2124, and/or hanger rail 2129, can besized and positioned (e.g., connected to the frame 2118) to beunderneath the seat 2114 relative to the ground when the seating 2100 ison the ground. The arms and rails 2104, 2106, 2107, 2124, and/or 2129can be sized and positioned to be within an outer boundary or perimeterof the seat 2114 when for example, the seating 2100 is in the firstposition. For example, the outer perimeter can be formed or defined byouter members or tubes forming the frame or support structure of theseat 2114. The arms and rails 2104, 2106, 2107, 2124, 2129 can be sizedand shaped (e.g., straight) such that the arms and rails 2104, 2106,2107, 2124, and/or 2129 can be positioned underneath the seat 2114 whileachieving a desired height of the seating 2100. Stated differently, theguiding rail 2124 is sized and positioned to guide, push, or move theguide assembly 2132 along, for example, the guiding rail 2124 asdiscussed herein while providing the seating 2100 and/or the seat 2114 adesired or predetermined height or range of height, such as, forexample, a height for a standard or conventional chair used for loungingand/or dining.

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate side front and back perspective views of anembodiment of an adjustable ottoman 3100 with various components removedfor discussion purposes. FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate the seating 3100with the mesh and/or fabric sling and one side of the frame 3118 removedfrom the rest 3114 to illustrate, for example, rest rails 3156. The restrails 3156 can be secured to the rest 3114 respectively with, forexample, bolts, and/or other suitable attachment mechanisms. The restrails 3156 can be arced or curved to, for example, accommodate flexingin the sling when the ottoman 3100 is occupied by the user (e.g., themesh flexes toward the rest rails 3156 under the weight of the user).Further, the rest rails 3156 can be arced, curved, or arcuate to, forexample, elevate the rest 3114 above the arced rails 3127 and/or frame3118 to provide sliding clearance as discussed herein. As illustrated inFIGS. 27 and 28, the rest 3114 can have two rest rails 3156. As alsoillustrated, the first and second guide assemblies 3132, 3133 can beattached to both of the rest rails 3156. In some embodiments, the rest3114 can have 1, 3, or 4 or more rest rails 3156, and the first andsecond guide assemblies 3132, 3133 can be attached to any of the restrails 3156 to achieve a desired inclination(s) and support of the rest3114 as discussed herein.

With continued reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, the arced rail 3127 can beconnected to a front rail 3415. The front rail 3415 can extend from sideto side of the frame 3118. Stated differently, the front rail 3415 canextend substantially perpendicular to the adjusting movement of theottoman 3100 (e.g., the rest 3114) as discussed herein. The arced rail3127 can also be connected to a hanger rail 3129. The hanger rail 3129can be connected to a back rail 3414. The back rail 3414 can extend fromside to side of the frame 3118. Stated differently, the back rail 3414can extend substantially perpendicular to the adjusting movement of theottoman 3100 (e.g., the rest 3114) as discussed herein. In someembodiments, the arced track 3127 and/or hanger rail 3415 can connect toother parts of the frame 3118, such as, for example, the front members3120 and the back members 3122. In some embodiments, the arced track3127 may be not connected to a hanger rail 3129. For example, the arcedtrack 3127 can directly connect to the front rail 3415 and the back rail3414. As another example, the arced track 3127 can directly connect toother parts of the frame 3118, such as the front members 3120 and theback members 3122.

As illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, the hanger rail 3129 can extend fromthe back rail 3414 generally downwardly, toward the ground or supportsurface. As illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, the arced track 3127 canextend from the hanger rail 3129 and can generally have a curvatureand/or shape that is convex from a perspective of or relative to therest 3114 and/or any other features proximate to top of the frame 3118.Stated differently, the arced track 3127 can generally have a curvatureand/or shape that is concave from perspective of the ground or restingsurface. In some embodiments, the arced track 3127 can be oppositelycurved (e.g., concave from the perspective of the rest 3114 and convexfrom the perspective the ground) to provide an adjustment movement tothe rest 3114 that functions as foot rest. For example, the rest 3114 ona concave arced track from the perspective of the rest 3114 wouldincline to provide a surface of the rest 3114 that faces the user in theseating 2100 for the user to rest the bottom of his/her feet. In someembodiments, the arced track 3127 can have straight portions (e.g.,hangers 3129) or be wholly straight such as the straight track 1124discussed herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 22, 27, and 28, the concave curvature and/orshape of the arced track 3127 can provide a simultaneous horizontal andvertical movement or travel of the first and second guide assemblies3132, 3133 along a constant and/or varying radius of curvature asdiscussed herein. As discussed further herein, the arced track 3127 andcorresponding movements of the first and second guide assemblies 3132,3133 allow for the downward tilting of the rest 3114 in the secondresting position while limiting the vertical rise of the rear portion ofthe rest 3114 to not protrude past the frame 3118 beyond a desiredvertical distance. The concave/convex shape of arced track 3127 can varyin length and/or radius of curvature such that a front portion of thearced track 3127 (proximal to the front member 3120) is at a greaterdownward slope relative to the resting surface from the perspective ofthe rear member 3122 than a mid-portion of the arced track 3127. Asillustrated in FIG. 20, the arced track 3127 can have substantially asame curvature and/or radius throughout the arced track 3127. At thefront portion of the arced track 3127, the first guide assembly 1132 canhave an increasing vertical descent over a same distance in a directionfrom the rear portion to the front portion of the frame 3118 (e.g., in adirection from the rear member 3122 to the front member 3120) to providea downwardly inclined angle to the rest 3114 in the second restingposition as discussed herein. The arced track 3127 can have a curvature,changing curvature (e.g., as discussed in reference to the barstool4100), and/or extension toward the ground to provide a desireddownwardly inclined angle to rest 3114. For example, the greater thecurvature (e.g., smaller radius of curvature) and/or the greater theextent of the arced track to the ground, the greater the downwardlyinclined angle that will be imparted on the rest 3114 in the secondresting position as the first guide assembly 3132 travels downwardlyalong the path, becoming more proximate to the front member 3120 asillustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28.

Stated differently, the concave/convex shape of arced track 3127 canprovide a path along a front portion of the arced track 3127 for thefirst guide assembly 3132 that has an increasing vertical descent over apredetermined or same horizontal distance of travel relative the restingsurface when the rest 3114 is being moved to the second restingposition. As the rest 3114 is moved from the first resting position tothe second resting position, the first guide assembly 1132 will firstmove or travel along a path that has a decreasing horizontal component(relative to the resting surface) over a predetermined distance orlength along the path. As the rest 3114 is moved closer to the secondposition, the first guide assembly 1132 will move or travel along a paththat increases in vertical travel (relative to the resting surface) overthe same predetermined distance or length along the path. Theincreasingly vertical movement of the first guide assembly 3132 from thefirst resting position to the second resting position of the ottoman3100 also occurs when viewed form a perspective of a predeterminedhorizontal distance relative to the resting surface. Such an arrangementof the arced track 3127 guides the movement of the first guide assembly3132 where the rest 3114 tilts increasingly downwardly into the secondresting position as discussed herein.

A generally opposite movement as discussed in reference to the firstguide assembly 3132 can be imparted to the second guide assembly 3133.The concave/convex shape of arced track 3127 can vary in length and/orradius of curvature such that a rear portion of the arced track 3127(proximal to the rear member 3122 and/or the hanger rail 3129) is at agreater downward slope relative to the resting surface from theperspective of the rear member 3122 than a mid-portion of the arcedtrack 3127. At the rear portion of the arced track 3127, the secondguide assembly 1132 can have an increasing vertical ascent over a samedistance in a direction from the rear portion to the front portion ofthe frame 3118 (e.g., in a direction from the rear member 3122 to thefront member 3120) to provide a downwardly inclined angle to the rest3114 in the second resting position as discussed herein. The arced track3127 can have a curvature, changing curvature (e.g., as discussed inreference to the barstool 4100), and/or extension toward the ground toprovide a desired downwardly inclined angle to rest 3114. For example,the greater the curvature (e.g., smaller radius of curvature) and/or thegreater the extent of the arced track to the ground, the greater thedownwardly inclined angle that will be imparted on the rest 3114 in thesecond resting position as the second guide assembly 3133 travels alongthe path to be more proximate to a mid-portion of the arced track 3127and/or a peak/top of the curvature of the arced track 3127 asillustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28.

Stated differently, the concave/convex shape of arced track 3127 canprovide a path along a portion of the arced track 3127 for the secondguide assembly 3133 that has a decreasing vertical ascent over apredetermined or same horizontal distance of travel relative the restingsurface when the rest 3114 is being moved to the second restingposition. As the rest 3114 is moved from the first resting position tothe second resting position, the second guide assembly 1133 will firstmove or travel along a path that has an increasing horizontal component(relative to the resting surface) over a predetermined distance orlength along the path. As the rest 3114 is moved closer to the secondposition, the second guide assembly 1132 will move or travel along apath that decreases in vertical travel (relative to the resting surface)over the same predetermined distance or length along the path. Thedecreasingly vertical movement of the second guide assembly 3133 fromthe first resting position to the second resting position of the ottoman3100 also occurs when viewed form a perspective of a predeterminedhorizontal distance relative to the resting surface. Such an arrangementof the arced track 3127 guides the movement of the second guide assembly3133 where horizontal movement of the second guide assembly 3133accommodates the horizontal movement of the first guide assembly 3132 asdiscussed herein as the rest 3114 is moved into the second restingposition and concomitantly, limiting the upward movement of the secondguide assembly 3133 over the same horizontal movement. Limiting theupward movement of second guide assembly 3133 and accordingly, rearportion of the rest 3114 can enhance user comfort in the second restingposition by mitigating, for example, the rear portion of the rest 3114vertically rising more than a desired or predetermined distance orlevel, and pressing excessively or at an undesirable angle and heightinto the user's legs.

Conversely, as the rest 3114 is moved from a second resting position tothe first resting position, the first guide assembly 3132 will firstmove or travel along a path that is initially more vertical (relative tothe resting surface) over a predetermined distance or length along thepath to bring the front portion of the rest 3114 up vertically over thepredetermine distance. As the seating 1100 is moved closer to the firstresting position, the second guide assembly 1133 will move or travelalong a path that is mostly initially horizontal (relative to theresting surface) over the same predetermined distance or length alongthe path followed by a more vertical travel path to bring down the rearportion of the seat 3114 to be level with the front portion of the rest3114 as the first resting position is approached. Such an arrangement ofthe arced track 1127 provides a smooth and continuous adjustment of thepositions of the seating ottoman as discussed herein.

Accordingly, the greater the curvature of the arced track 3127, thegreater to the extent the movement of the rest 3114 from the first tothe second resting position may resemble a cantilevered movement of therest 3114 that can be achieved by pivoting about the rear portion. Forexample, the rear portion of the rest 3114 can be pivotally/rotatablyconnected to the frame 3118 proximate to, for example, the rear member3122. The front portion of the seat 3114 can pivot about the pivotallyconnected rear portion of the rest 3114. With such an arrangement, therear portion of the rest 3114 can be rotated to any desired downwardslope of the rest 3114, including having the front and rear portions ofthe rest 3114 being along a substantially vertical line, without orsubstantially without the rear portion of the rest 3114 risingvertically when the front portion of the rest is rotated downwardly.

As illustrated in FIGS. 20, 27, and 28, the first and second guideassemblies 3132 and 3133 can be configured to travel over the arced rail3127. As discussed herein, bends connecting other portions of the trackto the arced rail 3127 can inhibit or prevent the first and second guideassemblies 3132, 3133 from traveling off the arced rail 3127. Forexample, the transition and connection between the arced rail 3127 andthe hanger rail 3129 is provided by a bend forming a discontinuous path,including a change to an upward slope of the guide path at thebend/connection that the second guide assembly 3133 cannot or isinhibited from traveling over as discussed herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, the arced track 3127 is directlyconnected to the front rail 3415 creating a discontinuous path changingdirection from the travel direction or guide path on the guiding rails2124 along a direction between the front and rear portions of the frame3118. Stated differently, as the first guide assembly 3132 travels alongthe guide path on the arced rail 3127, the first guide assembly 3132comes up against a hard stop formed by the front rail 3415 connected tothe arced rail 3127 in a substantially perpendicular manner. Withoutsubstantial deformation and possible breaking of the first guideassembly 3132 and other connection mechanisms discussed herein (e.g.,bracket 3148 and/or extension 3150), the first guide assembly 3132 isinhibited or prevented from traveling onto or beyond the front rail 3415as the first guide assembly 3132 travels over the arced rail 3127 duringmovement of the rest 3114 into the second resting position.

With continued reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, the ottoman 3100 can havetwo pairs of first and second guide assemblies 3132, 3133 supported ontwo arced tracks 3127. Accordingly, the rest 3114 can be provided with afour-point support system (e.g., four guide assemblies) without otherconnections to the frame 3118 or other portions of the frame 3118. Therest 3114 can be supported, elevated, and moved as discussed herein bybeing solely supported on the arced tracks 3127.

As illustrated in FIGS. 22, 27, and 28, the arced track 3127 and/orhanger rail 3129 can be sized and positioned (e.g., connected to theframe 3118) to be underneath the rest 3114 relative to the ground whenthe ottoman 3100 is on the ground. The arced track 3127 and/or hangerrail 3129 can be sized and positioned to be within an outer boundary orperimeter of the rest 3114 when for example, the ottoman 3100 is in thefirst position. For example, the outer perimeter can be formed ordefined by outer members or tubes forming the frame or support structureof the rest 3114. The arced track 3127 and/or hanger rail 3129 can besized and shaped (e.g., curved) such that the arced track 3127 and/orhanger rail 3129 can be positioned underneath the rest 3114 whileachieving a desired height of the ottoman 3100. Stated differently, thearced track 3127 is sized and positioned to guide, push, or move thefirst and second guide assemblies 3132, 3133 along, for example, thearced track 3127 as discussed herein while providing the ottoman 3100and/or the rest 3114 a desired or predetermined height or range ofheight, such as, for example, a height for a standard or conventionalottoman used for lounging.

Example Embodiment of an Elevated Chair

Another example embodiment of adjustable seating 4100 is shown in FIGS.29-31. In this example, the seating 4100 can be a chair as discussed,for example, in reference to FIGS. 1-7 and FIGS. 19-26. As illustratedin FIGS. 29-31, the seating 4100, and in particular, the backrest 4122and the seat 4114 can be vertically higher (e.g., elevated) relative toother reclinable or adjustable seating discussed herein. Accordingly,the adjustable seating 4100 can be considered a barstool. However, itwill be understood that the term barstool is used in this disclosure forconvenience of discussion. As with the other reclinable or adjustableseating discussed herein, the seating 4100 can be integrated into avariety of formal and casual, indoor and outdoor seating options, suchstationary or swivel rockers or chairs, lounge chairs, action loungersor swivel action loungers, chaise loungers, settees, love seats,couches, and the like.

Further, the adjustable seating 4100 can be used for orthopedicpurposes. For example, a user with a back injury, a hip injury, and/orother physical limitations can use the seating 4100 to comfortably andsafely get into and out of the seating 4100. The seating 4100 can have aseat (e.g., a rest or support surface) 4114 that is proximate to orsubstantially at a user's hip level. As the user backs into the seating4100 to get into the seating 4100, the seat 4114 can be downwardlyinclined for the user's hips and/or buttocks to come against a main ortop surface of the seat 4114 while the user is in substantially astanding or slightly crouched position (e.g., less crouched than to sitdown in a standard height chair). As the user pushes his/her weightagainst the seat 4114, the seat 4114 can shift along the tracks asdiscussed herein to be upwardly inclined for the user to settle into theseating 4100.

FIG. 29 illustrates a side, top, perspective view of an embodiment of anadjustable seating 4100. The seating 4100 can have a frame 4118 disposedabout a seat 4114 and a backrest 4212 as discussed herein, and inparticular, as discussed in reference to FIGS. 1-5. The frame 4118 canhave a front member 4120 and a rear member 4122 as discussed herein, andin particular, as discussed in reference to FIGS. 1-5. The backrest 4112can be fixedly connected to the frame 4118 (e.g., the backrest 4112 doesnot recline or change position relative to the frame 4118 as discussedherein for other reclinable seating). As illustrated in FIG. 29, thebackrest 4112 and/or seat 4114 has a fabric and/or mesh sling suspendedbetween support members of the backrest 4112 and/or seat 4114. In someembodiments, the backrest 4112 and/or seat 4114 can have cushioning,woven straps, and/or solid case materials as discussed herein.

FIGS. 30A-B illustrate side views of an embodiment of an adjustableseating 4100 with one side of the frame 4118 removed to illustrate, forexample, an arced track 4127 and movement of the seat 4114 on the arcedtrack 4127. FIGS. 31A-B illustrate side, top, perspective views anembodiment of an adjustable seating 4100 with the mesh and/or fabricsling of the seat 4114 and one side of the frame 4118 removed toillustrate, for example, seat rails 4156, arced tracks 4127, andmovement of the seat 4114 on the arced tracks 4127. As illustrated inFIGS. 30A-B and 31A-B, seating 4100 can have a first guide or firstguide assembly 3132 and a second guide or second guide assembly 3133.The guide assemblies 4132, 4133 can be the guide assemblies as discussedherein, and in particular, as discussed in references to guideassemblies 132, 1132, 1133 corresponding to FIGS. 6, 7, 16, and 17. Forexample, the guide assemblies 4132, 4133 can be assembled from slidingshoes made of durable material(s) having a low coefficient of frictionwith the arced track 4127. The material should be sufficiently durableto withstand repeated use under heavy loads as discussed herein and caninclude materials discussed herein. The guide assemblies 4132, 4133 canhave frictional control, such as frictional control 616 discussed inreference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The guide assemblies 4132, 4133 can haveother tightening and friction control mechanisms, such as a nut and boltassembly 1115, 1117 discussed in reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

With continued reference to FIGS. 30A-B and 31A-B, the first and secondguide assemblies 4132, 4133 are connected to the seat 4114 with abracket 4148 and an extension 4150 as discussed herein, and inparticular, as discussed in reference to extensions 1250 and brackets1148 corresponding to FIG. 18. The extension 4150 can elevate or spacethe seat 4114 from the first and second guide assemblies 4132, 4133and/or frame 4118 to provide sliding clearance between the seat 4114 andother components of the seating 4100. The sliding clearance can provideclearance to accommodate, for example, upholstery, cushions, and otherfeatures attached to seat 4114 and/or frame 4118 and allow for movementof the seat 4114 as discussed herein. The first and second guideassemblies 4132, 4133 can be connected to the bracket 4148 via a nut andbolt assembly 1115, 1117 or other suitable attachment mechanisms asdiscussed herein.

As discussed herein, the seating 4100 can respond to changes in theuser's center of gravity by the seat 4114 moving to accommodate theuser's position. For a user's safety and/or comfort, it can be desirableto limit movement of the seating 4100. The seat 4114 can be moved from afirst resting position (see FIGS. 30A and 31A) to a second restingposition (see FIGS. 30B and 31B) as discussed herein in reference toother seating. This motion causes the front portion of the seat 4114(e.g., portion of the seat 4114 proximate to the front member 4120) tomove laterally outward and downwardly (in a direction away from thebackrest 4112 and toward the ground) when the seat 4114 is moved fromthe first resting positon to the second resting position. It can bedesirable to limit the forward lateral travel (e.g., horizontalmovement) of the front portion of the seat 4114 to between about 3 in.(7.62 cm) and 20 in. (50.8 cm), depending on the orthopedic application.It can be desirable to limit downward travel (e.g., vertical movement)of the front portion of the seat 4114 to between about 3 in. (7.62 cm)and 20 in. (50.8 cm), depending on the orthopedic application. Thelateral and downward travel range/distance of the front portion of theseat 4114 from the first position to the second position can be changedas desired by varying the length and/or curvature of the tracks, (e.g.,arced track 4127). The reverse lateral and upward travel range/distanceof the front portion of the seat 4114 from the second position to thefirst position can be changed as desired by varying the length and/orcurvature of the tracks, (e.g., arced track 4127).

The rear portion of the seat 4114 (e.g., portion of the seat 4114proximate to the rear member 4122) can move laterally forward andupwardly (in a direction away from the backrest 4112 and away from theground) when the seat 4114 is moved from the first resting positon tothe second resting position. It can be desirable to limit the forwardlateral travel (e.g., horizontal movement) to be substantially similaror same as the front portion of the seat 4114, such as between about 3in. (7.62 cm) and 20 in. (50.8 cm), depending on the orthopedicapplication. It can be desirable to limit the upward travel (e.g.,vertical movement) to between about 2 in. (5.08 cm) and 16 in. (40.64cm), depending on the orthopedic application. The lateral and upwardtravel range/distance of the rear portion of the seat 4114 from thefirst position to the second position can be changed as desired byvarying the length and/or curvature of the tracks, (e.g., arced track4127) as discussed herein. The reverse lateral and downward travelrange/distance of the rear portion of the seat 4114 from the secondposition to the first position can be changed as desired by varying thelength and/or curvature of the tracks, (e.g., arced track 4127) asdiscussed herein. Accordingly, it can be desirable to limit the backwardlateral travel of the seat 4114 (travel toward the direction of thebackrest 4112) when the seat 4114 is moved from the second restingposition to the first resting position. As the seat 4114 moves backward,toward the backrest 4112, it may be undesirable to have the seat 4114contact the backrest 4112 and provide a hard stop against the user'smomentum moving backwards with the seat 4114.

The seating 4100 can respond to changes in the user's center of gravityby the seat 4114 moving to accommodate the user's position as discussedherein in reference to other seating. In particular, the seat 4114 canmove on an arced track 4127 with first and second guides 4132, 4133engaging the arced track 4127. FIGS. 29, 30A, and 31A illustrate theseat 4114 in a first resting position (e.g., seated position). The firstresting position can include where a rear portion/end of the seat 4114is at a lower vertical height (relative to the ground) compared to afront portion/end of the seat 4114. Stated differently, an angle θ1 ofthe seat 4114 as illustrated in FIG. 30A in the first resting positionmay be 1° to 40° degrees relative to the ground from the rear of theseat 4114 or rear member 4122. Such an incline of the seat 4114 can beconsidered upwardly inclined/sloping angle. The upward slope of the seat4114 can help retain the user as well as the user's position in theseating 4100. For example, the upwardly sloping seat 4114 can help biasand focus the user's weight to press the user against the backrest 4112.Accordingly, the user can be relatively secured in position once theuser is in the seating 4100 and the seat 4114 is in the first position.The fixed backrest 4112 further accommodates the safety of the user inthe seating 4100 by providing an unmoving part of the seating 4100against which the user can securely rest and position against once inthe seating 4100.

In some embodiments, the first resting position of the seating 4100 cancorrespond to the first resting position of other seating as discussedherein, and in particular, as discussed in reference to FIG. 22illustrating an ottoman 3100. For example, the first resting positioncan include the seat 4114 being in a substantially level or flat angleposition relative to the ground. Accordingly, such a first restingposition includes the front portion/end of the seat 4114 (e.g.,proximate to the front member 4120) being substantially at a samevertical height (relative to the ground) as the rear portion/end of theseat 4114 (e.g., proximate to the rear member 4122). Stated differently,the angle between the front portion/end of the rest 4114 and the rearportion/end of the rest 4114 can be substantially zero relative to theground. A more flat or level first resting position may be desirable foran adjustable seating 4100 where the backrest 4112 and seat 4114 arevertically elevated at a smaller height from the resting surfacerelative to, for example, a barstool. A substantially level firstresting position can help accommodate user's that desire adjustableseating 4100 that is lower in vertical elevation and desire the seat4114 to have a smaller change in slope and/or momentum when gettingpositioned into the seating (e.g., in the first position).

In some embodiments, the second resting position of the seating 4100 cancorrespond to the second resting position as discussed herein for theottoman 3100, and in particular, as discussed herein in reference toFIGS. 19, 20, 27, and 28. FIGS. 30B and 31B illustrate the seat 4114 ina second resting position (e.g., ready position). For example, thesecond resting position of the seat 4114 can include a downwardlyinclined or sloping position where the front portion/end of the seat4114 is at a lower vertical height (relative to the ground) compared tothe rear portion/end of the seat 4114. Stated differently, an angle θ2of the seat 4114 as illustrated in FIG. 30B in the second restingposition may be 5° to 65° degrees relative to the ground from the rearof the seat 4114 or rear member 4122. The downwardly inclined/slopingangle of the seat 4114 may facilitate a user with a back injury, hipinjury, and/or other physical limitation getting into the chair. Forexample, as the user in a standing position moves toward the downwardlyinclined seat 4114, the seating 4114 can be positioned and downwardlyinclined such that a user contacts the seat 4114 at substantially a samevertical height and point/spot on the seat 4114 as the user will be inwhen the user is fully positioned or resting in the seating 4100 (e.g.,the seat 4114 is in the first resting position). Accordingly, once thebuttocks of the user in substantially a standing position is against theseat 4114 that is in the ready position, the user pushes his/her weightagainst the seat 4114 such that his/her center of gravity shifts towardthe backrest 4112 (e.g., toward the back portion of the seat 4114) tocause the seat 4114 to move into the first resting position (e.g.,seated position), which includes general backward horizontal/lateralmovement of the seat 4114 toward the backrest 4112, the front portion ofthe seat 4114 ascending/rising (e.g., moving upwardly), and rear portionof the seat 4114 descending (e.g., moving downwardly) as discussedherein. With the user 4114 already having initially contacted the samespot/point of the seat 4114 (in the second resting position) as the useris substantially comfortably contacting in the first resting position(e.g., the user is fully in the seating 4100), the user substantiallydoes not have to or minimally has to shift around his/her buttocks orbody (e.g., scoot on the seat 4114) to orient his/herself in a desiredposition relative to the seat 4114 as well as the backrest 4112.

Similarly, the arrangement of the seating 4100 and movement of the seat4114 as discussed herein can facilitate a user with an injury getting upfrom the seating 4100. As the user shifts his/her center of gravity awayfrom the backrest 4112 (e.g., by leaning forward) toward the front ofthe seat 4114, the seat 4114 moves from the first resting position tothe second resting position. As discussed herein, movement of the seat4114 over the arced tracks 4127 includes general forwardhorizontal/lateral movement of the seat 4114 toward the front portion ofthe frame 4118 (e.g., front member 4120), front portion of the seat 4114descending (e.g., moving downwardly), and rear portion of the seat 4114ascending (e.g., moving upwardly). Accordingly, the forward lateralmotion in combination with a downward slope allows the user to simplydismount from the seating 4100 when the seat 4114 is in the secondposition substantially without having to or minimally having to shiftaround his/her buttocks or body (e.g., scoot on the seat 4114) to moveoff and get up from the seating 4100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 30A-B, the seat 4114 can be connected to andmove on the arced track 4127 such that the seat 4114 cantilevers aboutor relative to the arced track 4127 or the ground. The inclination ofthe seat 4114 can change depending on the position of the seat 4114 tofacilitate a user initially getting into the seating 4100 and retain aposition of the seat 4114 once the user is seated or positioned in theseating. FIGS. 30B and 31B illustrate the seat 4114 in a downward slope(e.g., in the ready position) to face toward the user as the user isgetting into the seating 4100 as discussed herein. As the user gets intothe seating 4100, the weight of the user shifting against the seat 4114(e.g., center of gravity shifting to be oriented toward the rear portionof the seat 4114) moves the seat 4114 on the arced track 4127 in acantilevered fashion to change the inclination of the seat 4114 to beupward sloping (e.g., seated position) as illustrated in FIGS. 30B and31B to help retain the user in the seating 4100 (e.g., bias the useragainst the backrest 4112).

FIGS. 30A-B and 31A-B illustrate an embodiment of the seating 4100 with,for example, rest rails 4156 and arced tracks 4127. The seat rails 4156can be secured to the seat 4114 respectively with, for example, bolts,other attachment mechanisms, and/or any other suitable attachmentmechanisms. The seat rails 4156 can be arced or curved to, for example,accommodate flexing in the sling when the seating 4100 is occupied bythe user (e.g., the mesh flexes toward the seat rails 4156 under theweight of the user). Further, the seat rails 4156 can be arced, curved,or arcuate to, for example, elevate the seat 4114 above the arced rails4127 and/or frame 4118 to provide sliding clearance as discussed herein.As illustrated in FIGS. 31A-B, the seat 4114 can have two seat rails4156. As also illustrated, the first and second guide assemblies 4132,4133 can be attached to both of the seat rails 4156. In someembodiments, the seat 4114 can have 1, 3, or 4 or more seat rails 4156,and the first and second guide assemblies 4132, 4133 can be attached toany of the seat rails 4156 to achieve a desired inclination(s) of theseat 4114 as discussed herein.

With reference to FIGS. 31A-B, the arced rail 4127 can be connected to afront rail 4415. The front rail 4415 can extend from side to side of theframe 4118. Stated differently, the front rail 4415 can extendsubstantially perpendicular to the adjusting movement of the seating4100 (e.g., the seat 4114) as discussed herein. The arced rail 4127 canalso be connected to a hanger rail 4129. The hanger rail 4129 can beconnected to a back rail 4414. The back rail 4414 can extend from sideto side of the frame 4118. Stated differently, the back rail 4414 canextend substantially perpendicular to the adjusting movement of theseating 4100 (e.g., the seat 4114) as discussed herein. In someembodiments, the arced track 4127 and/or hanger rail 4415 can connect toother parts of the frame 4118, such as, for example, the front members4120 and the back members 4122. In some embodiments, the arced track4127 may be not connected to a hanger rail 4415. For example, the arcedtrack 4127 can directly connect to the front rail 4415 and the back rail4414. As another example, the arced track 4127 can directly connect toother parts of the frame 4118, such as the front members 4120 and theback members 4122.

As illustrated in FIGS. 29-31B, the arced track 4127 can be sized andpositioned (e.g., connected to the frame 4118) to be underneath the seat4114 relative to the ground when the seating 4100 is on the ground. Thearced track 4127 can be sized and positioned to be within an outerboundary or perimeter of the seat 4114 when for example, the seating4100 is in the first position. For example, the outer perimeter can beformed or defined by outer members or tubes forming the frame or supportstructure of the seat 4114. The arced track 4127 can be sized and shaped(e.g., curved) such that the arced track 4127 can be positionedunderneath the seat 4114 while achieving a desired height of the seating4100. Stated differently, the arced track 4127 is sized and positionedto guide, push, or move the first and second guide assemblies 4132, 4133along, for example, the arced track 4127 as discussed herein whileproviding the seating 4100 and/or the seat 4114 a desired orpredetermined height or range of height, such as, for example, a heightfor a standard or conventional barstool as well as an orthopedicbarstool or chair.

FIG. 32 illustrates side, top, perspective views of embodiments oftracks as discussed herein. FIG. 32 illustrates an embodiment of thearced track 3127 and hanger rail 3129 for the adjustable ottoman 3100 incomparison to an embodiment of the arced track 4127 and hanger rail 4129for the adjustable seating 4100. As illustrated in FIG. 32, the arcedtrack 3127 can be a substantially same curvature and/or radius throughan entirety of the arced track 3127. In comparison, the arced track 4127can change the curvature and/or radius to achieve desired inclinationsand/or horizontal/vertical movements of the seat 4114 as discussedherein. For example, a rear portion of the arced track 4127 can extendfrom the hanger rail 4129 at a steeper initial incline upward comparedto arced track 3127. The radius of rear portion of the arced track 4127can also be larger to achiever a higher vertical height of the top ofthe arced track 4127. Such a higher vertical height can provide agreater upward inclination to the seat 4114 in the first restingposition as discussed herein to, for example, increase the bias withwhich the user remains against the backrest 4112 and accordingly, theseating 4100.

With continued reference to FIG. 32, the radius of front portion of thearced rail 4127 can be smaller in comparison to the radius of the backportion of the arced rail 4127 or the overall radius of the arced rail4127. Such a smaller radius of the front portion of the arced rail 4127can provide a faster vertical descent of the front portion of the seat4114 as the seat 4114 moves into the second resting position. With thefront portion of the seat 4114 in a relatively lower vertical position,the seat 4114 can have a greater downward slope of the seat 4114 in thesecond position to, for example, comfortably and safely initially acceptand position a user into the seating 4100 as discussed herein. Asillustrated in FIG. 32, the front portion of the arced rail 4127 can becurved such that the arced rail 4127 is close to or substantiallyvertical when extending from the front rail 4415.

As also illustrated in FIG. 32, the hanger rails 4129 of the seating4100 can have a longer extent than, for example, the hanger rails 3129of the seating 3100. The longer hanger rails 4129 can accommodate, forexample, a frame 4118 that is longer in length from the back rail 4414to the front rail 4415. Further, the longer hanger rails 4129 can keepthe seat 4114 at a greater distance from, for example, the backrest 4112when the seat 4114 is in the second position. Increasing the distancebetween the backrest 4112 and a rear portion of the seat 4114 in thesecond resting position can accommodate taller users (e.g., having theuser shift away from sitting on or near the rear portion of the seat4112 when the seat 4112 may be too close to the backrest 4114 in thesecond resting position).

Terminology

It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of thespecific features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed above may bemade and still fall within one or more of the inventions. Further, thedisclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property,characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connectionwith an embodiment can be used in all other embodiments set forthherein. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features andaspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substitutedfor one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosedinventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the presentinventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particulardisclosed embodiments described above. Moreover, while the inventionsare susceptible to various modifications, and alternative forms,specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are hereindescribed in detail. It should be understood, however, that theinventions are not to be limited to the particular forms or methodsdisclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the various embodiments described and the appended claims.Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited.The methods disclosed herein include certain actions taken by apractitioner; however, they can also include any third-party instructionof those actions, either expressly or by implication. For example,actions such as “passing a suspension line through the base of thetongue” include “instructing the passing of a suspension line throughthe base of the tongue.” It is to be understood that such depictedarchitectures are merely examples and that in fact many otherarchitectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality.In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the samefunctionality is effectively “associated” such that the desiredfunctionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined toachieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” eachother such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermedial components. The ranges disclosed hereinalso encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, and combinationsthereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “lessthan,” “between,” and the like includes the number recited. Numberspreceded by a term such as “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially”as used herein include the recited numbers, and also represent an amountclose to the stated amount that still performs a desired function orachieves a desired result. Features of embodiments disclosed hereinpreceded by a term such as “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially”as used herein represent the feature with some variability that stillperforms a desired function or achieves a desired result for thatfeature.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced embodiment recitation is intended, suchan intent will be explicitly recited in the embodiment, and in theabsence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as anaid to understanding, the disclosure may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduceembodiment recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not beconstrued to imply that the introduction of an embodiment recitation bythe indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular embodimentcontaining such introduced embodiment recitation to embodimentscontaining only one such recitation, even when the same embodimentincludes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” andindefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” shouldtypically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); thesame holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduceembodiment recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of anintroduced embodiment recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled inthe art will recognize that such recitation should typically beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typicallymeans at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C”would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone,C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general sucha construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, embodiments, or drawings, should be understood tocontemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either ofthe terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will beunderstood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

Although the present subject matter has been described herein in termsof certain embodiments, and certain exemplary methods, it is to beunderstood that the scope of the subject matter is not to be limitedthereby. Instead, the Applicant intends that variations on the methodsand materials disclosed herein which are apparent to those of skill inthe art will fall within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. Reclinable seating having an upright position anda reclined position, the seating comprising: a frame comprising a frontportion, a rear portion, and members to support the reclinable seatingrelative to a surface on which the seating rests; a backrest connectedto the frame via a pivot member, the backrest configured to pivot aboutthe pivot member relative to the frame; a seat connected to the backrestvia a pivot connection, the seat configured to pivot at the pivotconnection relative to the backrest; a track connected to the frame, thetrack comprising an arcuate portion upwardly rising along a guide pathmoving generally in a direction from the rear portion to the frontportion of the frame, the guide path being substantially vertical at anupper portion of the arcuate portion of the track proximal to the frontportion of the frame; and a guide connected to the seat and slideablyengaging the track, the guide configured to move along the arcuateportion and to remain engaged with track along the guide path, the guideconfigured to support the seat against the track, wherein the reclinableseating is continuously moveable between an upright position and areclined position, the backrest pivoting about the pivot member frombeing more vertical to less vertical relative to the surface from theupright position to the reclined position, and wherein the guide movesalong the arcuate portion of the track as the seat travels forwardtoward the front portion of the frame while the seating is moved intothe reclined position, the guide substantially suspended at the upperportion of the arcuate portion in the reclined position and supportingrelatively less weight than when the guide is on other portions of thetrack.
 2. The seating of claim 1, wherein the track further comprises ahanger connected to the arcuate portion of the track and connected tothe frame proximal to the front portion of the frame relative to thearcuate portion, the hanger configured to inhibit movement of the guidebeyond the arcuate portion of the track when the seating is beingreclined.
 3. The seating of claim 2, wherein the hanger is substantiallyhorizontal to form a discontinuous path where the hanger connects to thearcuate portion at the substantially vertical upper portion of thetrack, the discontinuous path inhibiting movement of the guide from thearcuate portion of the track to the hanger.
 4. The seating of claim 1,wherein the track further comprises a horizontal portion proximal to therear portion of the frame relative to the arcuate portion of the track,the horizontal portion configured to vertically support the guide inorder to support a weight of a user when the seating is in the uprightposition.
 5. The seating of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprisesa cross member, the cross member at least in part providing theconnection between the track and the frame, the cross member positionedproximal to the rear portion of the frame relative to the track, thecross member configured to inhibit movement of the guide off the trackas the guide moves toward the rear portion of the frame along the trackwhen the seating is being moved into the upright position.
 6. Theseating of claim 1, further comprising a support member providing theconnection between the guide and the seat, the support member having avertical length to elevate the seat above the guide and provide slidingclearance between the seat and the frame.
 7. The seating of claim 6,further comprising a bracket providing a connection between the guideand the support member, wherein the guide is pivotally connected to thebracket to allow the guide to pivot relative to the bracket as the guidemoves along the arcuate portion of the track.
 8. The seating of claim 7,wherein the bracket engages the guide with a bolt and nut assembly, andwherein tension formed by tightening the bolt and nut assembly can beadjusted to change friction between the guide and the track to adjustease with which the seating moves between the upright and reclinedpositions.
 9. The seating of claim 1, wherein friction caused by theguide engaging the track can be adjusted based on a weight of a user toadjust ease with which shifting the weight of the user moves the seatingbetween the upright and reclined positions.
 10. The seating of claim 1,further comprising: an other track connected to the frame, the othertrack comprising a straight portion upwardly rising along an other guidepath moving generally in the direction from the rear portion to thefront portion of the frame, the other track more proximate to the frontportion of the frame than the track; and an other guide connected to theseat and slideably engaged with the other track, the other guideconfigured to move along the straight portion of the other track and toremain engaged with other track along the other guide path, wherein asthe seating is moved from the upright position to the reclined positionand the other guide moves forward along the other track, the seat movestoward the front portion of the frame and rises vertically relative tothe frame.
 11. A chaise comprising the seating of claim 1, wherein thechaise has a length sufficient to support a body of a user entirely offthe surface when the user is in a prone position.
 12. Reclinable seatinghaving an upright position and a reclined position, the seatingcomprising: a frame comprising a rear portion and a front portion, theframe configured to support the reclinable seating relative to a surfaceon which the seating rests; a backrest connected to the frame, thebackrest configured to pivot relative to the frame; a first guiderailconnected to the frame, the first guiderail comprising a curved portionascending along a first path moving generally in a direction from therear portion to the front portion of the frame, wherein the curvedportion is concave from a perspective of the pivot member to provide anincreasing vertical rise of the first guiderail over a predeterminedlength along the first path when the reclinable seating is beingreclined; a bed connected to the backrest, the bed configured to pivotrelative to the backrest; and a first guide assembly connected to thebed and engaging the first guiderail, the first guide assemblyconfigured to move along the curved portion and to remain engaged withthe first guiderail along the first path, wherein the reclinable seatingis continuously movable between an upright position and a reclinedposition, the backrest pivoting from being more vertical to lessvertical relative to the surface from the upright position to thereclined position.
 13. The seating of claim 12, wherein the first guideassembly vertically rises along the curved portion of the firstguiderail as the bed travels forward toward the front portion of theframe while the seating is moved into the reclined position, the firstguide assembly substantially suspended on the curved portion in thereclined position and supporting relatively less weight than when thefirst guide assembly is on other portions of the first guiderail. 14.The seating of claim 12, further comprising: a second guiderailconnected to the frame, the second guiderail comprising a straightportion rising along a second path moving generally in the directionfrom the rear portion to the front portion of the frame, the secondguiderail proximate to the front portion of the frame relative to thefirst guiderail; and a second guide assembly connected to the bed andengaged with the second guiderail, the second guide assembly configuredto move along the straight portion of the second guiderail and to remainengaged with the second guiderail along the second path, wherein as theseating is moved from the upright position to the reclined position, thebed pivots about the second guide assembly as the first guide assemblyvertically rises along the curved portion the first guiderail for thebed.
 15. The seating of claim 12, further comprising a back rail, theback rail connected to the frame proximal the rear portion of the frameand positioned to abut the backrest and inhibit further pivoting of thebackrest when the backrest pivots beyond a desired angle as the seatingis moved into the reclined position.
 16. The seating of claim 12,wherein the bed comprises an elevation rail providing at least in part aconnection between the bed and the first guide assembly, the elevationrail being generally U-shaped to vertically elevate the bed above fromthe first guide assembly and provide sliding clearance between the bedand the frame as the seating is moved between the upright and reclinedpositions.
 17. Reclinable seating having an upright position and areclined position, the seating comprising: a frame comprising a frontportion and a rear portion, the frame configured to support thereclinable seating relative to a surface on which the seating rests; abackrest connected to the frame, the backrest configured to pivotrelative to the frame; a seating section connected to the backrest, theseating section configured to pivot relative to the backrest; a trackconnected to the frame, the track positioned within an outer perimeterof the seating section and underneath the seating section, proximate tothe ground relative to the seating section, when the seating rests onthe surface; and a guide connected to the seating section and slideablyengaging the track, the guide configured to move along the along thetrack and support the seating section against the track, wherein thereclinable seating is continuously moveable between an upright positionand a reclined position, the backrest pivoting from being more verticalto less vertical relative to the surface from the upright position tothe reclined position, and wherein the track directs the guide upwardlyaway from the surface and simultaneously forward toward the frontportion of the frame while the seating is moved into the reclinedposition.
 18. The seating of claim 17, wherein the track comprises anuprising portion that has an upward slope relative to the surface fromthe rear portion to the front portion of the frame.
 19. The seating ofclaim 17, wherein the track comprises an arcuate portion that the guidevertically rises and moves forward on as the seating section travelsforward toward the front portion of the frame while the seating is movedinto the reclined position.
 20. The seating of claim 19, wherein thearcuate portion is substantially vertical proximate to the front portionof the frame such that the guide is substantially suspended on thearcuate portion in the reclined position and supports relatively lessweight than when the guide is on other portions of the arcuate portion.21. The seating of claim 17, further comprising a bracket providing aconnection between the guide and the seating section, wherein the guideis pivotally connected to the bracket to allow the guide to pivotrelative to the bracket as the guide moves along the track.
 22. Theseating of claim 21, wherein the bracket engages the guide with a boltand nut assembly, and wherein tension formed by tightening the bolt andnut assembly can be adjusted to change friction between the guide andthe track to adjust ease with which the seating moves between theupright and reclined positions.
 23. The seating of claim 17, furthercomprising: an other track connected to the frame, the other trackcomprising a straight portion upwardly rising along an other guide pathmoving generally in the direction from the rear portion to the frontportion of the frame, the other track more proximate to the frontportion of the frame than the track; and an other guide connected to theseating section and slideably engaged with the other track, the otherguide configured to move along the straight portion of the other trackand to remain engaged with other track along the other guide path,wherein as the seating is moved from the upright position to thereclined position and the other guide moves forward along the othertrack, the seating section moves toward the front portion of the frameand rises vertically relative to the frame.
 24. The seating of claim 23,wherein the other track is positioned within the outer perimeter of theseating section and underneath the seating section, proximate to theground relative to the seating section, when the reclinable seatingrests on the surface.
 25. A chaise comprising the seating of claim 17,wherein the chaise has a length sufficient to support a body of a userentirely off the surface when the user is in a prone position.